§ 43. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current shortage of probation officers in Birmingham, and in England and Wales, respectively; what steps he has taken to recruit more officers for this service; and what further action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeThe Birmingham Probation Service has no vacancies, but two officers are leaving shortly and it is intended to increase the establishment by five officers next year. The immediate need in England and Wales is for about 80 additional officers. 155 persons are in training for probation work, recruitment proceeds continuously74W and means of improving it are being considered by the Morison Committee whose report I expect soon.