asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reports he has received of increasing drug addiction in Portsmouth; how these reports compare with reports from other major urban areas; and what consultations he has had with the appropriate authorities concerning improved preventive measures.

The Chief Constable of Hampshire's information is that in 1970 dependence on narcotic drugs such as heroin remained reasonably static, but that there was a marked increase in the use of LSD. This is much in line with reports from elsewhere. Home Office inspectors keep in touch with the police Drug Squad, and the local drug dependency centre.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does not he agree that, while excellent work is being done in rehabilitation in the Portsmouth area and similar urban centres, this is still a serious problem, particularly as it affects the young; that there is need for far greater emphasis on preventive measures, including public education; and that resources on the necessary scale are likely to be provided only on a national level?

Yes, Sir. The Misuse of Drugs Bill will make a contribution. Emphasis particularly on the educative rôle of the Advisory Council is most important.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for the recruitment and training of the additional probation officers announced recently.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will announce special measures to improve the recruitment and retention of personnel for the probation and after-care services.

New one-year probation training courses for mature students at the polytechnics of Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle-upon-Tyne have been advertised to start this autumn. These courses, together with additional places on existing courses, should provide over half of the proposed 200 new training places. Plans will be made for further places to be available in 1972.

I am obliged to the hon. and learned Gentleman. I am delighted to hear that there is to be an expansion of training facilities for probation officers, who are in very short supply. Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that to continue with a situation in which child care officers can get very much more—perhaps £300 or £400 a year—than probation officers is leading to a crisis in the probation service, and that many probation officers are leaving? Does not he think that he should look at this aspect urgently?

I assure the hon. Lady that I am fully aware of all the relevant considerations. There are several other Questions on the Order Paper, including one from her, relating specifically to this issue.

Can my hon. and learned Friend assure us that the pay negotiations now in train will be expedited, since not only is the starting salary of fully qualified after-care and probation officers about £400 less than for their counterparts in the social security departments of local authorities, but also, fur- ther up the scale, there is every inducement for trained personnel to make a transfer?

As I said, there are Questions later about this. My right hon. Friend the Home Secreary is well aware of the urgency.

Does my hon. and learned Friend—whom we all congratulate on his recent legal promotion—agree that, as well as being the lowest-paid people doing social work, they are also doing some of the most important and most diverse work, not only in the criminal courts but in the divorce and county courts? In view of this, and in view of the terrible shortage in the West Midlands about which I know from personal knowledge, it is a matter of urgency that they should be granted a pay scale beginning at £1,380 per annum.

I assure my hon. Friend that I am fully aware of the important part which probation officers play in the penal system, and it is being taken into account.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many recruits have joined the Probation Service in the last period of 12 months for which figures are available; and how many of them are graduates.

430 persons were appointed as established officers in 1970. 133 held a university qualification, which includes, as well as a degree, a certificate or diploma in social studies awarded by a university.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman forgive me if I add a further voice to the lobby pressing him? Without in the least underating the contribution made by non-graduate probation officers, including those holding diplomas, would it not be a tragedy if graduates were attracted away from the probation service by better salary and career structures elsewhere?

I entirely agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman that there is a need for professionally trained graduates to join the probation service, and they will always be welcome.

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that the point about this Question and Question No. 2 is that over a long period the probation service has not been given sufficient resources and that there is now substantial justification for treating it as a special case in view of the pressure on prison accommodation and the need to develop alternatives to prison sentences?

I take account of what my hon. Friend said. There are several more specific Questions on this subject later on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that, following the interim review of the pay of probation officers, salaries are offered that will attract suitable people to the Probation Service and offer an incentive to existing officers to remain in the service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in negotiations on the probation officers' pay claim.

The Joint Negotiating Committee for the Probation Service is at present awaiting an indication of the Government's attitude. My right hon. Friend fully recognises the importance of bringing these negotiations to an early and satisfactory conclusion.

Will the Minister give that indication of his attitude as soon as possible? As has been shown by the many questions on the subject this afternoon, there is a great deal of concern about the loss of officers from the service because of low pay and the bad career structure.

I fully appreciate the expressions of concern from both sides of the House. All I can say is that the Home Secretary hopes to be in a position to give that indication in the near future.

Was not the interim pay award promised by the Labour Government to be operative from last January?

indicated dissent.

I stand corrected. Does not the hon. and learned Gentleman think that take-home pay of £16 a week for a qualified young probation officer offers no incentive to him to stay in the service and no incentive for new officers to enter the service?

In regard to the factual situation, I would point out that the agreement was entered into in April, 1970. It was an agreement which was due to last for 21 months until December, 1971, but it contained a "break" clause which provided for negotiation from January, 1971, to consider whether there was a justification for an interim pay award to take effect from April this year. If any pay award is made as a result of these negotiations, the Home Secretary would have power to backdate it to 1st April. In regard to the second part of the hon. Lady's comments, I fully appreciate the great value of the part played by the probation service and the importance of having adequately trained members of the probation service.

If the main problem is shortage of money, as I expect it is, would the Under-Secretary consider averaging the remuneration of probation officers with that of other local government officers because people in the probation service are better equipped to do the job than are those in other sections of local government service?

My hon. Friend's suggestion may be attractive but has its difficulties. Pay in the probation service is a matter for the Home Secretary, whereas the Government have no say about the pay in respect of other social workers who are paid by the local authorities.

Since concern is felt on this matter in many sections of the community, does it matter whether the matter of pay is dealt with by the government or by the local authority? In view of the increased demands upon the probation service and the tremendous pressures to which it is subjected, it is surely unrealistic to expect a good probation service at the present level of remuneration.

As the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, we have already announced increased figures in respect of the probation service, but my point in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey (Mr. Hiley) was a valid one: it is difficult to merge two amounts of money when they come from two separate sources. The amounts paid by local authorities to the social services is one matter which is being presented to the Home Office in relation to the present negotiations.

Would the Under-Secretary of State also consider, apart from the merits of the claim, the important considerations which bear upon this matter, not least the rival attraction of other social services and the increased load which we may wish to place on the probation service, not least in the realm of parole?

I can assure my right hon. Friend that through the representations which have been made and as a result of the meetings of the Home Secretary with the National Association of Probation Officers, the Home Secretary is fully aware of the strength of feeling on the first point and of the need for the second.

Would not the Under-Secretary accept as a matter of principle that a pay range of between £970 and £2,000 per annum is wholly unrealistic for the tasks which are now to be carried out by the probation service, certainly bearing in mind the extended tasks in the realm of non-custodial sentences which may very soon be placed on that service?

The hon. Gentleman realises that it would be improper of me to make any comment about existing pay scales at a time when negotiations are proceeding, other than to remind the House that they were the scales which were negotiated in January, 1970, and at that time represented a 15·6 per cent. increase on the previous existing scale.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to grant basic grade officers in the Probation Service comparability with local authority social service Departments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to halt the drain of personnel from the Probation Service to local social service departments.

The salaries of local authority social workers are a factor which is being borne in mind in the current review of probation pay.

Would the Under-Secretary not agree that during the last six months competition from local authority social work departments and also a sharp increase in the cost of living, particularly in the London area, has brought about a situation in London in which the service, far from being able to extend its operations, cannot even fill existing vacancies? Does he not think that he should put the salary scales on a par with local authority social work departments so as to get the necessary recruits?

I am not sure that the question of the rise in the cost of living is directly relevant to this Question, but in regard to the hon. Member's other point I agree that it is within the last six months that this substantial alteration in differential between local authority social workers and probation officers has occurred. As I said in answer to an earlier Question, the Home Office is aware that 78 probation officers left to join local authority social services during 1970 and we are being continually pressed on this matter by the National Association of Probation Officers. However, I can go no further than to say that the Home Secretary is aware of these matters and is considering them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations on matters for which he is responsible he has received from the Middlesex Area Probation and After-Care Service; what reply he has sent; and whether he will make a statement about comparability of pay scales of probation officers with officers in local authority social work departments.

The Home Office has received a number of such representations about probation salaries. Replies have said that these will be noted. The salaries of local authority social workers are being borne in mind in the current review of probation pay.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that until the announcement of the pay award comes through, many probation officers in the meantime will be working under a great deal of personal sacrifice because they are waiting before applying for other work in social work departments? Since he said that last year there were 78 transfers, could he say how many transfers there have been this year?

Although I am aware of the whole position, I do not feel that anybody would wish to exaggerate it. I am afraid that I cannot without notice give the figures for this year, but I have reason to believe that they are running roughly at the same level as they were during 1970. However, I would have to check whether I am correct.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to transfer the Probation Service to the social services departments of local authorities.

No, Sir.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the probation officers are becoming increasingly isolated from other social workers both in their professional organisation and in their pay and conditions? Will he have discussions about this with all concerned? The Seebohm Committee was precluded from reviewing the probation service. Will the Minister reconsider this question?

I am perfectly prepared at any stage to have discussions with anyone on this matter. The position of the probation service is somewhat different from that of other social services because of its close relationship with the courts and its link with the prison system. For that reason it has always remained a separate service and not a local authority service.

Will my hon. and learned Friend take note that, whatever his intentions, if the present trend continues in the county of Leicestershire there will be a transfer? Is the Minister aware that in Leicester, in 1970, of the 17 field officers operating outside prisons four left the service, three of whom went to local authorities? Is this not a compelling argument for considering as generously as possible in the present economic circumstances the salaries and promotion prospects of these men?

I am fully aware and take note of everything my hon. Friend says. In 1970, in the country as a whole 78 probation officers left to enter local authority social service. As I said in reply to an earlier Question, this is obviously a matter of importance to the Home Office in the present negotiations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his official conference on drugs at Moreton-in-Marsh.

The event last month to which the hon. Member refers was a seminar organised by the Home Office for heads of police drugs squads to study general aspects of the drug problem.

What did the Department learn from the seminar about the early identification of drug taking among young people?

It was not the purpose of the seminar, part of which I attended myself, to do that. The seminar was concerned with prevention, the importation of drugs and drug trafficking. It was mainly a seminar for drugs officers in police forces.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his intentions with regard to the future rôle and organisation of civil defence; and if he will make a statement.

The Government's examination of Home Defence arrangements is still in progress and it is hoped that a statement will be ready before the Summer Recess.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the civil defence people carry out a wide-ranging group of functions and that they are valuable voluntary workers who feel concerned about what the future of the service is to be? Will my hon. Friend expedite the report as quickly as he can?

I appreciate the concern of the voluntary workers who have taken part in civil defence activities, but it is right that there should be a full and comprehensive review of the whole of the civil defence arrangements, which is what we are embarked upon, to ensure that we achieve not only effectiveness but cost-effectiveness.

Is it being taken into account in the review that it is generally accepted that there is no such thing as civil defence against nuclear war and that the services of these very good people might be better used in creating a national emergency service for general civil disturbances and emergencies of various sorts?

We are carrying out a very broad review in order to cover the whole question, including the kind of question which the hon. Gentleman raised.

If, while the review is going on, a citizen wants to know, as one of my constituents does, what he or she should do in the event of a surprise nuclear attack, to whom does he or she turn for information?

I think that in the short term she had better ask my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement of policy concerning Northern Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a further statement on the current situation in Northern Ireland, so far as Her Majesty's Government is responsible.

I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22nd March and to what my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary said in the debate on 6th April.

In view of the alarming rumours circulating about plots to kidnap members of the Armed Services and hold them to ransom, can my hon. Friend assure the House that precautions are being take to protect them and public officials in Northern Ireland?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the necessary precautions are being taken to deal with any threat about which we know.

Will the hon. Gentleman make a statement on the efficacy of attempts to find unlicensed arms? Will he also take into consideration the more than 70,000 licensed arms in Northern Ireland and the more than 80 rifle clubs, many of which have been joined by former members of the B Specials and are connected with U.V.F.? Will he look into this matter, which is an equal cause of concern as extremists on the other side?

The Northern Ireland Government have initiated a check with all holders of firearms under certificate in Northern Ireland to see whether it is necessary for them to possess the weapons. The R.U.C. is undertaking these checks.

Does my hon. Friend agree that there is very wide public support and admiration for the policy of firmness coupled with restraint under which the Army is carrying out its disagreeable task?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend and entirely agree with what he said.

Can the hon. Member say whether the policy embodied in the Industrial Development Bill introduced at Stormont yesterday, which enables the Stormont Government to take equity holding in private industry, has the approval of Her Majesty's Government and whether Stormont will be recommending Her Majesty's Government to do the same thing in development areas in this country?

All that the Stormont Government do in these matters is for the Stormont Government. They have responsibility for the action they take.

Will my hon. Friend persuade the Prime Minister to visit Northern Ireland next month, because the Ulster Festival '71 will open next month and its success will help to restore the economy of Northern Ireland to normal and perhaps will help to reduce tension.

I understand that a later Question on this matter is addressed to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. If my hon. Friend catches your eye, Mr. Speaker, it will be possible for him to raise that point then.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what progress has been made in tracking down the murderers of the three young soldiers, as the Catholic community, in particular, in Northern Ireland is anxious that the perpetrators of this filthy crime should be discovered?

I cannot report on the progress being made. The hon. Gentleman will understand that this is a matter for the police. However, the whole House shares his sentiments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the circumstances under which Mr. Abbie Hoffman was allowed into Great Britain.

Mr. Hoffman was inadvertently admitted as a visitor on 21st March. He left for the United States three days later.

I am delighted that it was inadvertance. But is not the situation rather serious? Surely the Yippies are well known to the Home Office. They have stated, "We are going to make them"—that is, Britain—"regret letting us in". That was over a year ago. They further stated that—[HON. MEMBERS: "Reading".] It is best to get things right, is it not? They further stated that they supported the National Liberation Front in Vietnam, the Black Panther movement and the Irish Republican Army. Perhaps they were lucky to get in, but what does the Minister propose to do to prevent the inadvertent letting in of undesirable people of this type?

Considering the very large number of people passing through London Airport, the immigration officers do an extremely good job. A mistake was made in this case, and steps are being taken to ensure that it does not recur.

Who is Mr. Hoffman?

I have a long description of Mr. Hoffman. Perhaps I had better write to the hon. Gentleman setting out the full description.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to implement the recommendations made in the Report of the Littlewood Committee on the welfare of animals, in particular by strengthening his Department's advisory committee on animal welfare.

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave on 18th November to a Question by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin).—[Vol. 806, c. 442.]

May I ask what that reply was, as I do not have it to hand?

My hon. Friend may ask, but, in the words of F. E. Smith, although it may make her wiser, I am not sure that it will make her any the better informed. The words were:

"I am not at present in a position to make a statement."

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number and proportion of those granted parole who were released from prison within six weeks of completing the minimum period of their imprisonment.

Out of 2,171 cases which have been analysed, the answer is 1,133, or 52·2 per cent.

I thank the Minister for that reply and for the release on parole today of a constituent about whom I wrote to him. Will the Minister consider reducing the time which must elapse before parole is allowed, and so make a contribution to the problem of overcrowding in our prisons?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, anyone who has served either one-third of his sentence or 12 months is eligible for parole. The matter of extending parole is being considered in the Home Office, and we have recently set up two new parole panels in Manchester and Birmingham. I cannot say anything further at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department who is responsible for the authorisation of the tapping of telephone calls; and to whom this authorisation is given.

The practice follows the recommendations made in 1957 in the Report of the Committee of Privy Councillors appointed to inquire into the interception of communications.

That is an interesting though not very informative reply. Will the hon. and learned Gentleman tell me how many telephone tappings were authorised last year, and whether the practice of tapping the telephone lines of hon. Members of this House has been resumed?

The answer to the first part of the supplementary question is, "No, Sir, I cannot." Birkett recommended that it would be wrong for figures to be disclosed by the Secretary of State. The answer to the second part of the question is that there has been no change in practice from that announced by the previous Prime Minister on 17th November, 1966.

May I ask how the liberties of the subject are to be protected in this matter? When I addressed a letter to the Home Office about the fears of a distinguished Weymouth Street doctor that his telephone was being tapped, I was told that I could be given no information of any kind whatsoever.

I am aware of the letter which my hon. Friend wrote to me and of my reply. I must stand by what I said, that it has been the agreed policy of previous Governments for many years, and of the present Government, that no answers of a factual nature can be given in these matters.

Was not the Birkett Committee satisfied that this power was being exercised responsibly and carefully? Is there any reason to think that there has been any diminution in the care taken since the Birkett Committee reported?

I am grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for what he said. I entirely agree with what the Birkett Committee recommended, and I can assure the House, as I said in my answer, that the practice recommended by that Committee has been effectively carried out since.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his plans for the expansion of fire services staff for the ensuring year, when the Fire Precautions Bill is enacted.

Provision has been made for an eventual addition of about 400 to the staff of fire authorities for the purposes of the Fire Precautions Bill, but precise requirements from time to time will be decided by the individual authorities.

What consultation has my hon. Friend had with the fire brigades and the Chief Fire Officers Association on methods of recruitment and training?

Discussions have taken place about this, but the implementation of the increases will be a matter for the individual fire authorities and will depend upon the rate at which the various stages of the Fire Precautions Bill are brought into operation.

When will the recruitment of the extra staff in the Home Office begin?

Very few extra staff will be required in the Home Office, and I do not think that any particular problem arises there.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to ensure that an accused person appearing at a magistrates' court is asked whether or not he wishes to apply for bail.

No, Sir. This is not a matter on which a mandatory provision would be appropriate.

Is the hon. and learned Member aware of the disquieting information disclosed by Mr. Michael Zander in the last edition of the "Criminal Law Review" that in about 50 per cent. of the 513 cases which he investigated, the question of bail was not first raised by the court? Is he further aware that there is a danger that an accused person who is not aware of his entitlement to make an application could well find that what might be a successful application could not be entertained?

I am aware of the article which Mr. Michael Zander has written in the "Criminal Law Review", and the Home Office is considering the matter generally. I do not think that a mandatory provision requiring magistrates to ask every person whether he required bail, even if they have already decided that in no circumstances would it be granted, is the appropriate method for dealing with this problem.

Does not the overriding presumption of an accused person's innocence up to the time he is found guilty demand such a mandatory provision as the Minister rejects?

With respect, I do not think it does. Mr. Michael Zander in his article pointed out that there were cases in which bail is "not a realistic possibility". It would seem absurd in those cases to make a mandatory requirement on courts to invite the person to apply for bail when they clearly were not able to give it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of the West Yorkshire Constabulary, giving the number

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that the figures he has given prove that for too long we have been short of manpower in our police force, especially in the area covered by the West Yorkshire Constabulary? If the recent increase does not stop this wastage in the police force, will he guarantee that there will be a review within six months to try to make certain that new measures are taken in respect of salaries to improve recruitment? What is he doing about staff appraisal and other service conditions in the police force to try to make the service more attractive?

The matters referred to in the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary are matters for the Police Council and for negotiation in that council through the normal channels. I recognise that there is a problem in the West Yorkshire police force but I am glad to say that the rate of wastage has been going down and that, as compared with a net wastage of 39 in 1968, there was in 1970 an overall increase in the strength of the force of 129.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the unsatisfactory arrangements for travellers arriving at London Airport seeking taxi services, he will take steps to ensure that the existing six-mile limit is altered to anywhere in the greater London area.

The Committee on the London Taxicab Trade has recommended that taxi drivers should be compelled to accept all hirings from London Airport to certain specified postal districts in central London. This and other approaches to the problem are being considered in the consultations following upon the Committee's report.

I thank my hon. Friend for that helpful answer. Is he aware that the first impression received by visitors when they arrive at London Airport is a most unfortunate one and that many taxi drivers would welcome some action since the situation has given taxi drivers a very bad name? Is he also aware that a change in the law may require special byelaws by the airport authority to enable any steps to be effective because these taxi ranks are on private property?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the problem to which my hon. Friend refers, and I hope that we shall be able to proceed with the recommendation in the Stamp Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the question of political bias in the comunications media.

No, Sir.

Is the Under-Secretary not aware that a number of his hon. Friends take the view that as television and radio media have not as firm a pro-Tory bias as the majority of the Press, this means that they are not independent? Will he look into this matter again and try to ensure that the Labour Party has one-quarter of the amount of bias which is apparent in all the media?

No, Sir, I will not look at that answer again. I do not see any need for a Royal Commission, and the question of impartiality is one for the B.B.C. and I.T.A. As for the hon. Gentleman's comment about newspapers and pro-Tory bias, I would remind him that it is free for anyone with political views to publish a newspaper at any stage, provided that he feels that he can sell enough copies to make it viable.

Does the Under-Secretary not agree that the case would be completely met if a broadcasting council were set up to which complaints could be referred?

By statutory force so far as Independent Television is concerned and by administrative arrangement so far as the B.B.C. is concerned this has always been a matter for the governors of those two bodies, to whom any member of the public is entitled to refer a complaint.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that Mr. Menachem Beigin, leader of the opposition in the Israeli Knesset was responsible for the massacre of Deir Yasin; and whether it is his policy to grant visas to those who have perpetrated war crimes and gone unpunished, such as the aforementioned person.

As a citizen of Israel, Mr. Beigin would not need a United Kingdom visa. His admission would fall to be considered in accordance with the published immigration rules (Cmnd. 4296), and on present information I have no reason to suppose that refusal of leave to land would be justified.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the facts of this extraordinary case are not disputed and that very strong and understandable feelings are held about it by the Arabs who have been the victims of this appalling massacre of Deir Yasin? Will the hon. Gentleman take into account those feelings in reaching his decision?

I have seen the report by Mr. Louis Heren and the reply by Mr. Beigin in The Times of 14th April. It is relevant that Mr. Beigin is a member of the Legislature of a country with which the present Government, as did previous Governments, maintain friendly relations. This case has been carefully considered, and all the information that I have shows that there is no reason to withhold permission to land.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this episode took place in 1948, that it was condemned overwhelmingly by the majority of Israeli people, and that the Israelis have never been happy or satisfied with the episode? Is he further aware that, if we were to stop all people who at one time or another were responsible for atrocities, obviously we should bar about every leading politician in the world?

Without agreeing with the hon. Gentleman, there are probably two sides to this matter.

While no one of decent sensibilities would have other than contempt and loathing for Mr. Beigin and his record, would not it be as well to allow him here so that he might learn a little democracy, just as members of the El Fatah terrorist organisation who are shortly to come here may also learn a little democracy in this country?

As I said, we see no justification for refusing Mr. Beigin permission to land in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether medical certificates are called for by the Metropolitan Police when persons with a history of serious psychiatric illness are employed by them in any capacity, including that of an informer.

Medical reports are required on people who wish to join the police force or seek permanent employment on the civil staff. The police are well aware of the need to assess and as far as possible, to verify material supplied by an informant, whatever his history.

The hon. Gentleman must be aware of the very disturbing report in a national newspaper that ex-Sergeant Challenor, who has retired from the police force on psychiatric grounds, has been employed and paid as an informer by the West End Central police authorities. Is this story true? It has been repeated in other magazines. If it is, is not it a grave cause for disquiet, in view of that man's record?

I understand that the Commissioner of Police has informed the editor of the paper concerned in these terms:

"There is no record of Challenor having been paid any reward from Metropolitan Police Funds for information supplied since he left the police service."

Can the hon. Gentleman assure us that in no circum stances will ex-Detective-Sergeant Challenor be employed in any capacity, whether as an informer or in any other capacity, by any police force in the country, especially having regard to the fact that he led other young officers into a situation as a result of which they were convicted and imprisoned?

As I said, I understand that there may be legal proceedings arising out of this matter. It would be improper for me to make any further comment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the existing powers magistrates' courts have to exact financial restitution from persons convicted of vandalism.

The main powers are given by provisions in the Malicious Damage Act, 1861; Section 14(1) of the Criminal Justice Administration Act, 1914 (as amended); and Section 34 of the Magistrates' Courts Act, 1952 (as amended).

While thanking my hon. and learned Friend for that answer, is not the target for all these young hooligans their pockets, in view of the fact that it is no longer considered civilised to visit their sins on their backsides?

I have a good deal of sympathy with what my hon. Friend says. The Criminal Damage Bill going through the House at the moment provides for the payment of compensation in magistrates' courts to a maximum of £400 by those guilty of offences of criminal damage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken in magistrates' courts to ensure that defendants are informed as to their rights of appeal.

The clerk of the court will advise defendants of their rights of appeal on request; and where they are represented, their legal advisers will do this.

Should not there be a duty laid on courts to inform those convicted of their right of appeal? Will not the Under-Secretary take steps to see that the practice is improved?

I am quite prepared to look at the practice. But I think that the right hon. and learned Gentleman will not feel, on reflection, that this is an appropriate matter for statutory provisions, especially when one thinks of the number of cases dealt with every day in magistrates' courts where pleas of guilty are even made by letter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now make a statement on the Government's plans for an extended programme by its Community Development teams.

The number of local authorities taking part in the Government-sponsored Community Development Project has now increased to seven—including one in Scotland and one in Wales. Three more local authorities have been invited to participate. It is hoped later this year to invite two further authorities, making twelve in all.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply, but would he not agree that, as that scheme was in the nature of an experiment, it would help to have a full report assessing the success of the scheme to date, at the same time as the Government make more detailed proposals about those towns in which they intend to introduce new schemes?

The hon. Gentleman is right: this was an experimental scheme. I will consider his point.

Without intending to be flippant, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to consider, in consultation with the Secretary of State for the Environment, a possible transfer of the general oversight of this programme to that Department, so that it can be more closely linked with general planning procedures and housing procedures in general improvement areas? Would he also consider more closely linking it to the urban aid programme, which is also to be similarly transferred?

The hon. Gentleman's question raises much wider issues, which are, of course, for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.