§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to allowing the new police authorities to set their own pay and conditions; and what were his conclusions.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonPolice pay and national conditions will continue to be prescribed by the Secretary of State under section 26 of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967, taking into consideration recommendations made by the police negotiating board which includes representatives of police authorities. The Government accept that there should be greater local discretion over job-related allowances.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his current proposals or policies for performance-related pay in the police force.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend is considering agreements reached in the police negotiating board on police pay structures and conditions of service for all ranks which include links between pay and appraisal of performance. The Government intend to introduce pay arrangements which depend on appraisal of performance as soon as practicable.