§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what announcement he has made concerning the setting of a target growth rate for the probation service during the financial year 1984–85; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanIn reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Bruinvels) on 28 November 1983—[Vol. 49, c.353–54]—I outlined the financial provision planned for a number of services in 1984–85, including the probation service.
The planned provision for the probation service as a whole in England and Wales is intended to allow growth of about 3 per cent. in 1984–85. This compares with 1 per cent. in previous plans and takes account of projected increases in work load including that arising from change in eligibility for parole. The budget for a particular probation area is a matter for decision by the probation committee in consultation with the local authority, which has to meet 20 per cent. of the expenditure, in the light of the Government's plans.