HC Deb 23 January 1980 vol 977 cc213-4W
Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to assist and promote the further development of mutual help by ex-offenders.

Mr. Brittan

Virtually all projects supported by the probation and aftercare department of the Home Office, including accommodation schemes, day centres and supported work projects, depend in part for their success on the mutual help provided by the ex-offenders participating in these schemes. Every proposal is examined on its merits, but encouragement and support, within the limit of available resources, is given to schemes which seem most likely to promote the rehabilitation of offenders.