Mr. Howarthasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to whom, and in what way, probation officers are accountable for their decisions recommending ex-offenders for employment.
§ Mr. MellorProbation officers are accountable through their chief probation officers to the probation committees which employ them.
Mr. Howarthasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance is given to probation officers concerning their recommendation of ex-officers for employment, particularly where that employment relates to young people.
§ Mr. MellorGuidance issued by the Home Office in 1963 made it clear that a probation officer should disclose relevant facts relating to character and personality when recommending an ex-offender for employment. In the case of prisoners released on licence a condition, where appropriate, is imposed forbidding work or other organised activities involving children; this is drawn to the attention of the supervising probation officer. My right hon. and learned Friend is arranging for the duty of368W probation officers dealing with child sex offenders to take every step to prevent contact with children to be spelt out even more firmly.