HC Deb 28 January 2004 vol 417 c442W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department where the National Offender Management Service will be based. [147435]

Paul Goggins

The headquarters will initially be based in London, probably in accommodation currently occupied by the Prison and Probation Services, but once the eventual size and structure has been decided, further consideration will be given to the most appropriate long-term location. Regional offender managers and their staff will of course be located in their regions.

Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who will act as the employer for(a) probation and (b) prison staff within the structure of the National Offenders Managment Services. [147721]

Paul Goggins

For most staff in prisons and probation the changes outlined in "Reducing Crime—Changing Lives" are unlikely to have an immediate impact. They will continue to be employed by the probation boards and prison service. In time the relationships will change but those changes have yet to be finalised and will be subject to the usual consultation arrangements with staff and unions.