HC Deb 29 April 1975 vol 891 cc209-10
1. Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will now consider recommending to the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work that pre-professionals who hold social science qualifications be recognised as professionally qualified social workers.

The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Alec Jones)

No, Sir. The council is an independent statutory body. Like the bodies which were responsible for the award of professional social work qualifications before the council was established in 1971, the council has decided not to recognise these qualifications because the content of the courses leading to them is not, in its judgment, fully equal in the relevant respects to that of approved professional courses.

Mr. Watkinson

Is my hon. Friend aware that these people have been working in social services for many years, that there are about 1,500 such people and that as a result of this decision they are disadvantaged as regards salary and promotion prospects? Is he further aware that almoners, with no social work qualifications, were given professional recognition under the National Health Service Act 1946? Can nothing be done for these people?

Mr. Jones

The council recognises that this group of social workers often find difficulty in obtaining places, especially if they are not graduates. The council is now ready to try to increase the training opportunities for these people. As for their financial position the central council has raised with the responsible bodies the position of staff employed in the National Health Service before April 1974 who did not have the same advantage as those who were employed by local authorities.

Mrs. Chalker

In view of the disastrously low percentage of trained social workers, will the Under-Secretary tell us what steps he will consider taking to increase the number of social work courses so that people can be professionally trained before they are given immense responsibilities?

Mr. Jones

The responsibility in this field chiefly lies with the central council, which was established in 1971. However, I shall certainly draw the council's attention to the point raised by the hon. Lady.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

In view of the need to expand the number of trained social workers in Wales, will the hon. Gentleman discuss with the central council the location of its offices which is now to be in Bristol? In view of the devolution of social work responsibility to the Welsh Office, will he at an early date discuss this with the council?

Mr. Jones

The hon. Gentleman will realise that, like him, I have an interest in the position in Wales. I shall certainly carry out his request.