§ 17. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is proposing increased financial support for the probation service to enable it to meet its obligations under the Criminal Justice Act 1982.
§ Mr. MellorFinancial support for the probation service has continued to increase. There was provision for a 3 per cent. increase in staff and support services in 1982–83 and the Government's expenditure plans envisage further growth of more than 1 per cent. a year until March 1985. This growth will help the service to respond to increased demand, though the resource implications of some of the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1982 will need to be taken into account in planning their implementation.