§ Mr. Spencerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases in each of the last three years probation officers have refused to provide courts with social inquiry reports on the ground that the offender had been convicted of a political offence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe information requested is not available, but I am not aware that this is an issue which has caused significant difficulties for the courts. The376W recent instance which I believe my hon. Friend has in mind was an isolated one, in which a satisfactory solution has been found.