§ Mr. LathamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the pay and working conditions of probation officers.
§ Mr. John PattenThe pay and conditions of service of probation officers are determined by the Secretary of State under paragraph 18A of schedule 3 to the Powers of Criminal Courts Act 1973. The joint negotiating committee for the probation service makes recommendations to my right hon. Friend on these matters.
On 6 February 1991, having considered an arbitration award on probation officers' pay, we determined that the increase in probation officers' salaries effective from 1 July 1990 should be 9.25 per cent. and that all officers with 14 years' service on 1 July 1990 should receive the second career grade allowance. I expect that most probation officers will see this as a reasonable settlement.