HC Deb 20 July 1950 vol 477 cc2470-1
63. Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the qualifications required of candidates for training and for appointment to senior and supervisory posts in the children's departments of the Home Office respectively.

Mr. Ede

I understand that the hon. Member has in mind the appointment by local authorities of children's officers. The qualifications required of these officers are a matter primarily for the local authority concerned, but I have advised local authorities to have regard to the views expressed by the Curtis Committee and to aim at selecting candidates who, in addition to training and experience in general social work, possess such qualities of mind and personality as will suggest that they would be likely to undertake successfully the administrative and personal work required.

Mr. Bishop

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is necessary for people who wish to undertake this work of looking after children deprived of normal home life to have a university degree or a similar qualification? Is he aware that many people with great experience of this work are being crowded out of this important service by this requirement?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. I do not think that they are crowded out, but I think that some evidence of the study of social conditions and social science is an additional recommendation.

Mr. Hastings

Does my right hon. Friend realise how successful local authorities have been in selecting their children's officers so far?

Mr. Ede

I think that, on the whole, having regard to the fact that this was a new service, local authorities are to be congratulated on the selections they have made.