HC Deb 09 May 1960 vol 623 cc1-3
4. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to announce his decisions on the recommendations of the Younghusband Working Party on the Training of Social Workers.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)

Not as yet, since to do so would prejudice the full consideration being given to these recommendations in the light of the views of the local authority and other organisations concerned.

Mr. Robinson

I appreciate that there must be full consideration of the matter, but is it not a fact that this Report has now been with us for over a year and that no decisions were taken in this matter for many years because this Committee and previous ones were considering the subject? Does he not agree that it is an extremely urgent matter, at any rate to the extent of getting the proposed National Council for Social Work Training under way so that we can get some more social workers, who are so urgently needed?

Mr. Walker-Smith

As the hon. Member will know, the setting up of the Council in question requires legislation. He will also have observed a reference to this point in the Conservative Election manifesto. Speaking generally, this is a matter in which there should be and will be no avoidable delay. At the same time, I would be wrong not to give proper and full considerations to the views of local authorities and other interested organisations upon this massive, comprehensive and useful Report.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that I shall be delighted to give him an assurance that if he is in trouble with the Treasury I will be on his side? It is all very well for him to say that this point is referred to in the Conservative Election manifesto; what we want to see is legislative action in the matter.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am always very gratified to have an assurance that my hon. Friend is on my side, but the conflict to which she refers in this case is quite hypothetical.

Mr. Robinson

Can the Minister give some indication when he will be in a position to announce a decision in this matter?

Mr. Walker-Smith

As soon as possible.