HC Deb 14 June 2004 vol 422 cc744-5W
6. Joyce Quin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the establishment of the national offender management service. [178155]

Mr. Blunkett

We have received over 600 representations on the establishment of the national offender management service. We have received 42 specifically in relation to the structure. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my officials and myself have met a wide range of groups involving Martin Narey seeing over 3,000 members of staff with 18 road shows across the country. I myself have met the TUC, the Prison Officers Association and the representatives of the Probation Union. We believe that with the extension on the consultation not simply to the end of this month, but over the next year as we develop the new structures, we will be able to ensure that there is a consensus of getting this right.