HC Deb 24 June 1948 vol 452 cc1541-2
19 and 20. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will hold courses of training in order that Poor Law officers who have had long experience in the care of children, may be able to take the diploma necessary to qualify as children's officers;

(2) how many Poor Law officers, not holding recognised diplomas, as referred to in the Curtis Report, have been appointed children's officers with his approval; and whether it is his intention to debar Poor Law officers whose careers have been concerned with the care of children from appointments as children's officers, on the grounds that they do not hold an academic diploma.

Mr. Ede

As I explained in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 10th June, Poor Law officers would be considered eligible for appointment as children's officers, if they also possess the requisite professional qualifications. No persons without such qualifications have so far been appointed with my approval, and, as the remaining posts are likely to be filled in the next few months, it would not be feasible to arrange training courses for those who wish to apply for these posts.

Mr. Evans

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is very considerable feeling among these officers that they are being deliberately cut out because they have not professional qualifications? What are the professional qualifications required? Will my right hon. Friend agree that long experience of this work among children extending over many years is in itself a very good qualification?

Mr. Ede

Such experience is one of the qualifications that is desirable. If these people possess other qualifications that entitle them to be considered there is no bar to any of them being appointed.

Mr. George Thomas

Is my right hon. Friend aware that experience in Poor Law care of children ought not to count for too much in the appointments in the new set up?

Mr. Ede

Poor Law officers, as well as other people, vary in quality? There are some who might have the necessary personal and other qualifications which would make them worthy of consideration. I have not debarred anyone who can produce such credentials from being appointed.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Is it not true that any children's officer who has been appointed up to date could not have had the approval of the right hon. Gentleman, except in a purely formal way, because the Bill has not been passed?

Mr. Ede

There have been as usual in this country certain working arrangements between the local authorities and the Central Department in order to ensure that by 5th July this machinery shall be working smoothly.

Mr. Evans

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that these officers appointed on the basis of academic qualifications have considerable experience of the work for which they are appointed?

Mr. Ede

I shall endeavour to see that they have appropriate experience of that sort.