§ 56. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many probation officers are now operating in the Metropolitan Police District; how many are in training; and if he is satisfied with the annual number of recruits for this service.
§ Mr. RentonThere are now 156 officers, of whom 9 are temporary, serving the area of the Metropolitan Magistrates' 161W Courts: and 152 in the rest of the Metropolitan Police District. One hundred and forty-eight men and women are at present in training, and another 60 are due to begin training soon.
Recruitment has improved considerably this year, and my right hon. Friend hopes that a recent increase of 12½ per cent, in the maintenance grants paid to students will further stimulate the flow of good applicants.