HC Deb 14 May 1970 vol 801 cc309-10W
36. Mr. Ogden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to encourage the recruitment and training of probation service officers in the North-West.

Mr. Elystan Morgan:

The training facilities are widely publicised, and have been improved by the introduction this year of a trainee salary for probation students instead of a maintenance grant. Recruitment has shown a marked increase recently, and I expect the North-West to benefit from this.

37. Mr. Ogden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that the Probation Service remains independent from local authority control and continues to be linked with the courts.

Mr. Callaghan:

There are no present plans for altering the arrangements for probation and after-care as a separate service, working in close collaboration with the proposed social services departments of local authorities and with the prison service