§ 15. Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for reform of probation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardI have already published proposals to reform the qualifying training of probation officers. I am today publishing revised national standards for community sentences; and will shortly be publishing a Green Paper setting out proposals for legislation to restructure community punishment. These initiatives are between them intended to ensure that the work of the probation service commands the greatest possible confidence on the part of the courts and the public.