§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his assessment of the needs and circumstances in Northern Ireland that prevent his instructing the probation board from bringing policy into line with England and Wales by ending its rule of recruiting only those with a social work qualification for probation work. [12822]
§ Sir John WheelerI refer the hon. and learned Gentleman to my reply of 11 January to the right hon. Member for Strangford (Mr. Taylor)Official Report, columns 298–99. Any change to the current Northern Ireland arrangements will be made in the light of experience in England and Wales, and after full consultation with all interested parties in Northern Ireland.