§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how the costs of funding Strathclyde police will be apportioned to constituent local authorities in future years; what will be the basis of calculation of contribution from each authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe amalgamation scheme for the new Strathclyde joint police board following local government reorganisation will specify how the payment by the constituent authorities of the expenditure incurred by the board will be apportioned. My right hon. Friend will consult the authorities, before236W making the scheme, to seek their views on how costs should be apportioned, and will take full account of their preferences before making the amalgamation scheme.