§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many social workers are currently carrying out the functions of probation officers, without having previous probation training and experience in service.
§ Lord Williams of MostynHer Majesty's Government are aware of no cases in which probation services are carrying out their functions in this way. We are aware of the decision by the contractors operating Altcourse prison to employ a throughcare manager and three social workers directly rather than use seconded probation staff on throughcare functions. Of the three staff so far appointed, none of whom is yet in post, two have previously worked in a probation service, although not as probation officers.