§ Lord Actonasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many probation officers were working in prisons in England and Wales in May 1995, in May 1996 and in May 1997; and what plans they have to increase this last number.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)Staffing statistics are compiled at 30 June and 31 December each year. The number of probation officers working in prisons in England and Wales in June 1995 was 645 and in June 1996 was 586. Figures for 1997 are not yet available.
150WAIt is for the Prison Service and the Probation Service to work closely together to decide on the number of staff required to deliver effective throughcare.