§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total numbers employed by the police forces in Scotland in January 1972, May 1979 and at the latest available date for which figures are available; and what was the overall cost for each date in current and constant terms.
§ Mr. RifkindThe information available is as follows:
31 December 30 June 1979 31 December 1971 1981 Regular police strength 10,811 12,831 13,194 Other staff 2,923 3,943 3,544 Total annual staff costs at out-turn Prices £27.4m £119.7m *£166.5m (1971–72) (1979–80) (1981–82) * Latest estimate.
Comparative figures at constant prices are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.