§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the implications for the probation service of the Prison Department's "Fresh Start" project.
§ Mr. Mellor"Fresh Start" is a package of proposals designed to make fundamental changes in the working arrangements, organisation and pay systems for prison officers. It is too soon to say whether those proposals will have implications for the probation service but it is expected that, if there are any, they will be minor. They are, in any case, only likely to affect those probation officers working in prison service establishments. Review teams are visiting prison service establishments and will be drawing up recommendations for the operation of "Fresh Start" in each. Area chief probation officers will be given the opportunity to comment on their recommandations.