§ 20. Mr. Sorensenasked the Home Secretary whether probation officers attached to matrimonial and domestic courts in the Metropolitan Police area are required to have knowledge and training in the medico-psychological aspects of cases with which they may have to deal; and whether, in view of the importance of probation officers possessing this qualification, he will offer some guidance to the courts respecting the selection and appointment of probation officers?
§ Sir S. HoareThe Central Training Board which has been set up on the recommendation of the Departmental Committee on the Social Services in Courts of Summary Jurisdiction is aware of the need for giving some guidance to probation officers on the matters referred 2402 to, so as to enable them to decide when to seek expert assistance. The candidates trained under this scheme are available for appointment in London as well as in other probation areas in England and Wales.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I take it that probation officers in the future will have this requisite knowledge, in view of the very intimate nature of some of the matrimonial tangles that have to be solved?
§ Sir S. HoareIt is very difficult to say of anyone that he will have the requisite knowledge for anything. We do try to provide that the candidates for the probation service shall have enough knowledge to know when treatment of this kind is likely to be useful.