§ 14. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health what qualifications are necessary under his regulations for the post of duly authorised officer of a local health authority.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThere are no regulations on this matter.
§ Dr. JohnsonWhile expressing proper appreciation of the work done by these estimable officers, may I ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary is satisfied that, in modern conditions, these duly authorised officers are sufficiently qualified for the responsibility they undertake, which involves, of course, deprivation of personal liberty in many instances, when also they have to act independently of medical advice and even have power in some cases to overrule medical advice?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithLocal health authorities generally appoint suitable persons with previous knowledge of local health or welfare work, who are then given training and experience on the job. This particular problem will link up with the Working Party on Social Workers, which is considering the function and training of mental health workers along with other social workers.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonIs it not absolutely essential to have some form of national training and qualification for these officers who do such an extremely important job in the social field?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe hon. Member will be aware that an investigation is going on into the whole sphere of mental welfare workers. I obviously could not anticipate its findings.