§ 75. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of probation officers employed, the number of unfilled vacancies in the present establishment, and the desirable optimum number needed if a progressive policy of penal reform is to be implemented.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThere are at present employed in the Probation Service in England and Wales 1,388 officers, of whom 33 are temporary and 54 work part-time only. I estimate the number of vacancies at between 70 and 80: some of these are filled by temporary officers, a few of whom are to be trained in due course for established posts. When these vacancies are filled, as I hope they may be within the next year or two, the Service should be well equipped to meet the demands made upon it by a progressive policy of penal reform. Meanwhile, I am glad to say that probation officers are doing devoted service, although in some parts of the country they are working under considerable pressure.
§ 76. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he has not accepted the arbitration 82W recommendations regarding the pay of probation officers; and what is the amount per annum saved by his rejection of the recommended increase.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI would refer the hon. Member to my replies to Questions and supplementary questions on this subject on 6th February.