HC Deb 11 December 1958 vol 597 cc95-6W
41. Mr. Reynolds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that recently some London probation officers have reported to magistrates that certain probationers charged with further offences had not received the amount of support and attention that they should have had, and would have had, if the probation officers had been able to devote further time to them; and what steps he is taking to remedy the position.

Mr. Renton

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes"; and as regards the second, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave at Question Time today to the hon. Member for Leicester, North-West (Mr. Janner).

42. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority an elected committee of the London branch of the National Association of Probation Officers was recently forbidden to communicate with the Press.

Mr. Renton

There has been no such prohibition. London probation officers, who are appointed by my right hon. Friend, are required to obtain prior sanction before publishing any matter touching on the business of the courts. No material has been submitted for sanction by a committee of the London Branch of the Association.

43. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the London probation officers are concerned about the existing and growing over-loading of cases they have to deal with; on what date the sub-committee of the Probation Advisory and Training Board was set up to review case-loads; how many times it has met; and what consultation there has been on the subject with the London probation officers.

Mr. Renton

My right hon. Friend is aware of the concern of London probation officers, as he has made clear in reply to previous Questions. The sub-committee was set up in November, 1957, to attempt an assessment of the optimum case-loads for probation officers. The Committee met in April and recommended that research be undertaken, and as a result of subsequent consultations a pilot project by the Home Office Research Unit (which will include London) will shortly begin.