§ 50. Mr. McNallyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the current state of morale and staffing in the probation service; and whether he will make a statement on probation officers' pay.
§ Mr. BrittanThe staffing of the probation service is, at present satisfactory. Wastage over the past 12 months was low, but there are indications that it is now rising and we are anxious that this trend should be reversed.
276WI am aware of the strength of feeling in the service about pay in relation to that of other groups. The existing pay agreement does not end until 30 June. Provisional agreement has been reached between the two sides of the joint negotiating committee on the outlines of this year's settlement, but negotiations on the details are continuing.