§ 6. Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will undertake an examination of the implications of the recommendations of the Seebohm Committee as they affect the probation and after-care service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CallaghanProbation and aftercare service organisations are among the interested bodies which have been invited to furnish views on the Seebohm Committee's Report. I shall be studying the relevant recommendations in the Report in the light of their comments.
§ Mr. MarksI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that Answer. Is he aware that the Seebohm Committee expressed doubt about the division of responsibility for the 14 to 17 age group between local authorities and probation officers and suggested that some probation officers would have to be transferred? Is he aware that it would be of great help to local authorities which are at present assessing their needs and services to know of my right hon. Friend's intentions as soon as possible?
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, Sir. I appreciate that, and, of course, other Ministers are concerned with this matter. Whatever the final conclusions may be, I doubt whether there is likely to be much scope for transferring probation staff to other services, in view of the additional responsibilities which they have taken on in recent years; for example, in respect of after-care and parole.
§ Mr. CarlisleDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is great concern at the proposal that all children under 14 should be removed from any possible care of the probation services and put under the care of local authorities? Will he look at this matter again?
§ Mr. CallaghanI am not aware that there is great concern about this, although I know that there is a division of view on the subject. I believe that the preponderant view is in favour of the White Paper proposals.