§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the study of the case for devolving to the probation service responsibility for administering and financing the present scheme of probation and bail hostels and of grant-aiding voluntary after-care projects to be completed; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorI am considering, in the light of the responses to the consultative document which the Home Office issued earlier this year to all those with an interest in this subject, how this study might now be carried 1013W forward. I would not, however, envisage any such fundamental changes to the present arrangements taking effect before the 1988–89 financial year.