§ 23. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of certain local authorities concerning the Probation (Scotland) (Amendment No. 3) Rules, 1959, and the Home Department's Circular No. 9489 dealing with the new arrangements for the training of probation officers; and what steps he intends to take in the matter.
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware that representations about the new training scheme have been made by two probation committees. The scheme was based on recommendations of the Scottish Probation Advisory and Training Council, in consultation with the local authority associations and other organisations. Modifications may, of course, have to be considered after we have had some experience of its working, but not before then.
§ Mr. HamiltonWould the Minister not agree that perhaps it would have been better if, before the rules were approved, the probation committee itself had been approached and asked to submit suggestions in view of the fact that it is the committee that appoints probation officers? Will he invite the probation committee now to submit its proposals?
§ Mr. MaclayI think that the hon. Member will agree that the Scottish Probation and Advisory Training Council is a fairly representative body in contact with a great many people and interests. I rather feel about the second part of the supplementary question that we should see how the matter develops before we form any premature conclusions.