§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations has he received about the need for more secure conditions in bail hostels in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John Patten[holding answer 15 April 1988]: From time to time, probation service organisations such as the National Association of Probation Officers and the Association of Chief Officers of Probation, and individual chief probation officers have made representations that the staffing levels at some approved probation/bail hostels should be increased to ensure the safety of hostel staff and a working party has been established to look into this matter.