§ Major NALLasked the Home Secretary whether it is the policy of his Department to encourage the appointment of probation officers at the public expense in Courts where court missionaries have hitherto performed the duties satisfactorily.
§ Mr. SHORTTProbation officers outside the Metropolitan Police District are appointed by the Justices acting for a Petty Sessional Division, or by the Justices of a borough having a separate Commission of the Peace. The policy of the Home Office has been to encourage the appointment of persons who, whether missionaries or not, are properly qualified to perform the important duties entrusted to them. I have just appointed a Committee, of which my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Rugby (Sir J. Baird) is chairman, to inquire into and advise me upon the methods of training, appointing and paying probation officers.