HC Deb 10 March 2004 vol 418 cc1583-4W
Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who the employer for qualified probation officers will be under the National Offender Management Service. [155837]

Paul Goggins

In the short term probation officers will continue to be employed by probation boards. Future arrangements have yet to be finalised and will be subject to the usual consultation arrangements with staff and unions.

Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role chief officers will have under the National Offender Management Service. [155839]

Paul Goggins

In the short term the role of chief officers will remain as it is. Any proposed changes will be subject to the usual consultation arrangements.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the public protection function of the Probation Service to be the subject of contestability under the National Offender Management Service structures. [159811]

Paul Goggins

The details of contestability within correctional services will be developed as part of the implementation of the Reducing Crime—Changing Lives reforms. Inter-agency work to protect the public and encourage rehabilitation will remain a crucial element of the work of the National Offender Management Service.