§ Mr. Hattersleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, as the budgets for district training centres for police probationers for 1983–84 are being reduced because the number of recruits has stabilised, he has any intention of increasing the period of probationer training at the centres, as urged by Lord Scarman, such as could be achieved without any major increase in cost.
§ Mr. MayhewLord Scarman's recommendations on police training are being considered by a police training council working party on probationer training. Some cuts have been made in the budgets for 1983–84. These cuts are not expected to affect present training needs because they are relatively small and student numbers are likely to be lower than earlier planned for. The financial situation and the length of probationer training will be reviewed in the light of the working party's report, which is due in the spring.