asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many replies he has received to the circular issued on the 2oth February, 1939, to probation committees in Scotland; will he indicate the nature of these replies and is he now in a position to give any indication as to the date when he intends to bring conditions of service of Scottish probation officers into line with those prevailing in England since the 1st July, 1939?

Replies to the circular letter referred to have been received from nine of the 12 probation areas concerned. The replies indicate that in the nine areas only four of the probation committees and two of the local authorities are in favour and that seven local authorities are averse to an immediate Amendment of the existing rules. My right hon. Friend has carefully considered the position in the light of these replies and of the circumstances now obtaining and regrets that he does not feel able to indicate an immediate prospect of amendment of the rules. The position is, however, being kept under review, and any proposals which individual local authorities may submit with regard to the remuneration of probation officers in their area will have careful consideration.