Her Majesty may appoint for the purposes after-mentioned such number of inspectors (hereafter in this Act referred to as “inspectors of constabulary”) as the F1Scottish Ministers may determine, and of the persons so appointed one may be appointed as chief inespector of constabulary.

The inspectors of constabulary shall hold office during Her Majesty’s pleasure and shall be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament such salaries and allowances as the F2Scottish Ministers may determine.

It shall be the duty of the inspectors of constabulary, on being directed to do so by the Secretary of State, to visit and inquire into any matter concerning or relating to the operation of a police force or of police forces generally F4and the National Criminal Intelligence Service; and, without prejudice to the generality of this subsection, such matters may include the state and efficiency of, and of the buildings and equipment used by, the force or forces.

Such of the inspectors of constabulary as may be directed in that behalf by the F5Scottish Ministers shall annually, at such times as may be so directed, submit to the F5Scottish Ministers a written report on the state and efficiency of the police forces generally F4and the National Criminal Intelligence Service, and the F5Scottish Ministers shall cause a copy of every such annual report to be laid before each House of Parliament.