To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources he will give to the Scottish police authorities to enable them to combat the increases in violent crime and drug-related crimes.

The provision of resources to police forces is in the first instance a matter for police authorities. My right hon. and learned Friend stands ready to pay police grant on authorities' net approved expenditure on the police service. The level of police grant was increased from 50 to 51 per cent. on 1 April 1986 in recognition of the additional demands being made on the police, including the tackling of violent crime and drug-related crimes.