My right honourable friend the Minister of State (David Hanson) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

Today I am delighted to announce that the appointment of Andrew Bridges CBE as HM Chief Inspector of the National Probation Service for England and Wales has been extended until 30 September 2008. Mr Bridges’s expertise and knowledge will continue to play a key role in enabling the probation inspectorate to deliver a credible and effective inspection programme for probation and youth offending teams.