§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to encourage the further use of community and probationary schemes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 20 March 1989]: It is our intention to develop and expand community-based disposals for offenders and to that end the Government will, with effect from 1 April this year, refund to local authorities 100 per cent, of the eligible costs of providing community service schemes. We are providing additional resources which are expected to eliminate rationing of places and temporary closure of schemes and to provide 600 extra places in each of the next three years.
A review of the use and possible development of probation in Scotland has already been announced and is proceeding.