HC Deb 15 February 1999 vol 325 c497W
20. Mr. David Heath

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy in respect of the amalgamation of probation services. [69126]

Mr. George Howarth

"Joining Forces to Protect the Public", published last August, included proposals to align probation areas and police force boundaries. Implementation would reduce the number of probation areas from 54 to 42. We are carefully considering the replies received and expect to announce decisions about the future re-organisation soon.