HL Deb 24 January 1979 vol 397 c1545WA
Lord ALLEN of ABBEYDALE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many of the Probation and After-Care Service are at present employed in prison department establishments in England and Wales; and how far this total falls short of the approved complement.

Lord BOSTON of FAVERSHAM

On 31st December 1978 there were 398 probation officers seconded to Prison Service establishments against an authorised complement of 440. About a quarter of the vacancies are in establishments temporarily out of commission or not yet commissioned. The other main reason for vacancies is that probation officers are seconded to these duties for limited periods and intervals may occur when there is an exchange of staff.