§ 42. Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration is being given to increase the complement of new police officers available to the Lothian and Borders police force; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Lothian and Borders police board has submitted an application to the Scottish Home and Health Department for an increase of 50 police constables in the authorised police establishment, together with an increase of 20 in the civilian establishment. In accordance with the usual practice, this application is being considered in consultation with Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary. The Scottish Home and Health Department expects to be in a position to respond to the board in the near future.