§ 45. Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that there are at present three agencies dealing with probation in Scotland, the Prison Commissioners, the local authorities, and, in some cases, the chief constables; that improvement, as well as the co-ordination of this work, is urgently necessary; and whether he will be prepared to appoint a Commission on the lines suggested by the Howard League in order to secure a full and impartial inquiry into the general scheme and methods of probation in the treatment of offenders in Scotland?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Morison)The Prison Commissioners do not carry out probation work, but the officials of the Central Association for Probation and Supervision of Licence Holders, a body connected with the Commissioners, undertake probation duties when requested to do so. Probation officers are appointed by sheriffs and burgh magistrates, and their remuneration is fixed and paid by county and town councils respectively. Probably there is room for improvement in the probation system, but my right hon. Friend is disposed to await the publication of the Report of the English Departmental Committee on the Training, Appointment, and Pay of Probation Officers before taking any decision as to an inquiry in Scotland. I understand that this Report is expected to be published before very long.