§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many burglaries have taken place in the Prestonfield, the Saughton, and the Corstorphine districts of Edinburgh, respectively, during the three months ended 6th March, 1937; what diminution of the police force has been made in Edinburgh since the police boxes have been introduced; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject of the burglaries in Edinburgh which have for some time been the occasion of considerable annoyance and apprehension to the inhabitants?
§ Mr. ElliotDuring the period referred to the numbers of housebreakings in the districts of Prestonfield, Saughton and Corstorphine were six, seven and two respectively. In addition there was one case of shopbreaking in Corstorphine. Since the introduction of the police box system was approved the net reduction in the authorised strength of the police force has been 25, but 21 constables engaged on clerical and other duties are gradually being released for ordinary police work by1174W the substitution of civilians. I am at present considering an application by the police authority for an addition of 20 constables to the strength of the force. There has been a diminution in the number of housebreakings in Edinburgh during the past year.