§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated number of(a) full-time and (b) special police officers, by rank and force, for (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002. [76859]
§ Mr. McLeishThe information is not available in the form requested. My right hon. Friend does not estimate police numbers in future years. Numbers of regular and special constables at the latest date available are shown in the table.
At 31 March 1998 Number of regular constables Number of special constables Central 719 72 Dumfries and Galloway 446 193 Fife 841 132 Grampian 1,226 138 Lothian and Borders 2,621 198 Northern 667 480 Strathclyde 7,186 319 Tayside 1,148 191 Total 14,854 1,723 From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.