Offender Management Bill

My Lords, like my noble friend I had not intended to say anything but I disagree somewhat with her or rather I put forward a different view. I am certain that we can all improve the way that we spend money and get better value for money, but we must not forget that the Probation Service is dealing with very complex and often very difficult persons who can be dangerous. Therefore, considerably more resources are needed. Having heard the figures mentioned by my noble friend Lord Ramsbotham, the Probation Service is to be congratulated. It has often been castigated in our debates on this Bill. It is certainly not faultless—