HC Deb 06 April 1949 vol 463 c194W
Mr. Skeffington

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the number of voluntary workers who assist prisoners on their completion of sentence.

Mr. Ede

Approximately 1,500 voluntary workers are estimated to be directly engaged in the work of the various Discharged Prisoners' Aid Societies and of the other associations concerned with after-care and aid on discharge for prisoners and Borstal inmates. Many others participate in this work by reason of their membership of various voluntary bodies whose services are always at the disposal of the aid societies. I welcome this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the spirit of social service shown by all these voluntary workers, and also of the valuable help given by many probation officers.