§ 13. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many probation officer posts in the London area are unfilled, showing adult and juvenile courts and male and female posts separately; what percentage of the establishment for London these vacancies represent in aggregate; and what steps he is taking to remedy the position.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerIn the metropolitan magistrates' courts area, for which I am the probation authority, there are now vacancies for three men at adult courts and two at juvenile courts. There are also vacancies for a man and a woman for relief duties. These vacancies represent in the aggregate 4.5 per cent. of the establishment. The vacancies were recently advertised and, in so far as they cannot at once be filled by permanent staff, I shall endeavour to make temporary appointments.
§ Mr. RobinsonWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that any vacancies in this extremely important social work are to be deplored? Does not he agree that the true figures are to some extent masked by the use of untrained and relatively inexperienced probation officers in the past?
§ Mr. ButlerYes. That to some extent is the fact. It is true that the establishment—that is the number—has been increased by about 35 per cent. from 114 to 154 to meet the increase in probation work. I am ready to consult the Probation Advisory and Training Board on how to deal with the problem the hon. Member has brought before us.
§ Mr. TileyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that many probation officers try to do their very difficult jobs without the assistance of motor vehicles? If there is a shortage of manpower in this service would not providing the officers with motor cars double the extent of the work they can do? We provide them with many facilities. The provision of motor vehicles would be a great help.
§ Mr. ButlerThere is a great tradition in the probation service of service as such. If we can supplement it, we will, but it is rather difficult to do it in the way the hon. Member suggests.