§ 39. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the public complaints about the treatment of young persons by a probation officer in Fife; and whether he will make a public inquiry into the allegations made against him?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am aware that a complaint against a probation officer in Fife was lodged in April last with the Fife Probation Committee. I am informed that the complaint was carefully considered by the committee, and that they and the Juvenile Court at Dumfermline have expressed their confidence in the officer concerned.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the fact that these complaints persist, and that they come from many people who are in very close association with the probation officer, will not the right hon. Gentleman himself order a special inquiry, because it is very essential that the probation officer should be beyond reproach?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am not convinced that this is a case in which the matter ought to be taken out of the hands of the local authority. There is a properly constituted body for examining the question.