§ Mr. McElhoneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the future of the Scottish Crime Squad.
§ Mr. William RossAfter consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, and in agreement with the Chief Constables Committee and the former Police Authority Committee, it has been decided that the basis on which the squad operates should be changed and its expenditure should be treated with effect from 1st September as a common police service. The squad will be reduced in size from 80 to 50 men, but the terms of reference which it is to be given will relieve it of routine work on minor crime and ensure that its skill and experience are concentrated on serious crime.