HC Deb 18 June 1971 vol 819 cc163-4W
Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of probation officers in England and Wales during each of the past four years; and what is the exact number required to bring the staff up to full strength.

Mr. Carlisle

There were 2,790 whole-time officers on 31st December, 1967, and in subsequent years 3,012, 3,233 and 3,426. Returns from probation authorities suggest that there are at present about 250 vacancies, of which one-third should shortly be filled by students on completion of training.