HC Deb 12 June 1947 vol 438 cc1328-9
44. Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Cambridge County Council is inviting applications for the post of children's officer at a salary of £360 per year; whether he has given guidance to local authorities as to the qualifications and experience desirable for this work; and whether, in view of the recommendations of the Curtis Report, he is satisfied that local authorities are aware of the need to offer salaries which will attract applicants of the requisite high standard for this important and responsible work.

Mr. Ede

My attention has been drawn to this advertisement, and I am in communication with the county council. It is of great importance that the salaries offered for posts of children's officer should be such as to attract candidates with a high standard of qualifications, as recommended in the Report of the Care of Children Committee. I intend shortly to issue guidance to local authorities on this and other matters bearing on the implementation of the Committee's recommendations.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

In laying down the qualifications, will the right hon. Gentleman see that undue stress is not placed on academic qualifications, and that proper emphasis is placed on humane and humanitarian qualifications?

Mr. Ede

I shall endeavour to see that the qualifications required are well balanced. I accept the general principle contained in the hon. Member's remarks.