5. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications there were to join the probation service in 1966 and how many of these applicants were accepted for training; and what were the equivalent figures for 1970 and 1971.
§ Mr. CarlisleIn 1966, 4,031 persons applied for, and 256 were offered, probation training sponsored by the Home Office. The corresponding figures in 1970 were 2,861 and 429, and in 1971, 4,595 and 503. An offer of training would not in all cases have been made in the same year as the application for training.
Mr. MitchellIn view of the increasingly difficult problems with which probation officers have to deal, is the hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that the quality of the intake is being maintained?
§ Mr. CarlisleYes, indeed, Sir. The number of those accepted is still a fairly small proportion of those who apply.