HC Deb 12 June 1980 vol 986 cc276-7W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what he attributes the decline in the number of probation orders for young offenders.

Mr. Brittan

We are not in a position to assign reasons to the decline; among the factors contributing to it may be a preference by the courts for alternative forms of non-custodial disposals, including community service orders and fines.