§ 21. Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the size of the probation and after-care service.
§ Mr. JohnAs my right hon. Friend indicated in the debate on the address on 7th November—[Vol. 938, c. 320]—additional resources are to be made available to probation and after-care committees during 1978–79. These are for the purpose of extending community service schemes to areas which have not at present got them and for strengthening existing schemes. The additional resources will enable committees to recruit extra staff, including both probation officers and ancillaries. With regard to future years, I would ask the hon. Member to await the forthcoming publication of the Government's expenditure plans for the period of 1981–82.