To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the projected increase in the probation service budget for 1991–92 and 1992–93; and if he will make a statement.

Probation service budgets are set by probation committees, though the paying local authorities may object to certain items of expenditure and either a local authority or a probation committee may seek a determination of a budget from the Secretary of State. Central Government support for the probation service (current and capital grants and credit approvals to local authorities) is estimated to be £231 million in 1990–91. Planned provision, subject to the approval of Parliament, is £248 million for 1991–92 and £270 million for 1992–93. Grant is not necessarily paid in the same year as that in which the expenditure it supports is incurred.