§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to complete his consideration of the recommendations of the Montgomery committee report on the powers and functions of Island councils, with particular regard to the effects the recommendations may have on the incidence of expenditure on police forces in other local authorities in Scotland.
§ Mr. AncramMy right hon. Friend hopes shortly to announce his conclusions on the recommendations of the committee of inquiry, chaired by Sir David Montgomery, into the functions and powers of the Islands councils of Scotland. The recommendations on the arrangements for financing the Northern joint police committee's expenditure are of direct concern only to the three Islands councils and Highland regional council; whether there will be any implications for other police authorities can be considered only when final decisions on the recommendations have been taken.