HC Deb 23 January 1964 vol 687 cc1250-1
12 . Mr. Fitch

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to implement the recommendations in the Report of the Advisory Council on the Treatment of Offenders in relation to the organisation of after-care; and if he will make a statement

Mr. Brooke

As my Advisory Council recognised, the fulfilment of their proposals must necessarily extend over a period of years and will call for a great expansion of the probation service. The first step is, in consultation with the interests concerned, to draw up detailed plans for the implementation of the proposals. This is already in hand. I attach great importance to achieving a major improvement in after-care, and I am most anxious to press forward.

Mr. Fitch

Can the Home Secretary say whether prison officers are now receiving training in methods of rehabilitation and after care?

Mr. Brooke

The Prison Officers Association passed a very helpful resolution at its last annual conference. That has led to the discussions between representatives of the Association and of my Prison Department to consider how prison officers can take a more positive part in social work in prisons.