HC Deb 17 November 1970 vol 806 cc388-9W
Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the number of persons sent to prison without social inquiry reports being prepared upon them in England and Wales, and in the South-East Lancashire division and the West Riding division, respectively, of the Probation Service.

Mr. Carlisle

The information that would enable an estimate to be made is not available.

Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his target figure for the number of probation officers in England and Wales; and what is the present establishment.

Mr. Carlisle

Plans were made in 1964 to expand the probation and after-care service in England and Wales from 2,200 to 3,500 established officers by 1970. At 31st October the strength of established officers was 3,348; there were also 74 temporary and 78 part-time officers.

The Advisory Council for Probation and After-Care is at present engaged in a review of the staffing needs of the service.

Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many direct-entrants were recruited to the Probation Service in England and Wales in the years 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970.

Mr. Carlisle

132, 72, 49 and (to 31st October), 78.

Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many direct-entrants were recruited to the South-East Lancashire Probation Service in the years 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970.

Mr. Carlisle

7, 7, 0 and (to 31st October) 6.