§ 26. Mr. FavellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about morale in the police force in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. and learned Friend has received some representations about the effect on police morale of the removal of the rates element of rent allowance. He has taken these representations into account in bringing forward regulations which will restore to officers whose circumstances have not changed the level of rent allowance, including the rates element, which they were receiving on 31 March. The regulations will come into effect on 22 December. I hope that police authorities will be able to make payments backdated to 1 April as soon as possible.