§ 68. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will report on the progress in setting up the Regional Crime Squad for Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossA draft collaboration agreement to set up a Scottish crime squad has been prepared in consultation with the police and local authority interests and has been approved by the Police Advisory Board for Scotland. It is now being cast in final form, and I hope to send it to all Scottish chief constables later this month so that, with the approval of their police authorities, they can accede to it. I propose that the agreement should come into effect within one month of the last signature being obtained.