HC Deb 21 December 1967 vol 756 cc480-2W
Mr. Brooks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the net increase, less wastage, in the probation service during 1965, 1966 and 1967, respectively, in England and Wales.

Mr. Taverne:

152, 238 and 165 (to 30th November) respectively.

Mr. Brooks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of probation officers in England and Wales at present; what is the increase planned for 1968; and what was the total entry into the service in 1965, 1966 and 1967, respectively.

Mr. Taverne:

The total number of established probation officers at 30th November, 1967, was 2,722. About 360 students are expected to complete training and become available for appointment as probation officers between now and the end of 1968. The total entry of established officers into the probation and aftercare service in each of the years 1965, 1966 and 1967 (to 30th November) was 328, 398 and 328, respectively.

Mr. Brooks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present establishment, the total number employed, and the net increase anticipated in 1968 of probation officers serving in each probation department in England and Wales.

Mr. Taverne:

The figures asked for are not all available, and I shall write to the hon. Member about this.

Mr. Brooks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportions of the total wastage in the probation service during 1966 and 1967, respectively, were due to retirement, resignation and death.

Mr. Taverne:

Of the total wastage of 160 established officers in 1966, 14 per cent. was due to retirements, 5 per cent. to deaths, and 81 per cent. to resignations (10 per cent. of which were resignations to take up work related to probation). The corresponding proportions of the wastage of 140 officers during the first ten months of 1967 (the latest date for which information is readily available) were, respectively, 17 per cent., 4.4 per cent., and 78.6 per cent. (of which 15 per cent. were resignations to take up work related to probation).