HC Deb 28 January 1986 vol 90 c789
13. Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in his consideration of the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work training proposals, he will take into account the training proposals of the report of the inquiry in the death of Jasmine Beckford.

Mr. Whitney

We shall be taking into account the recommendations on social work training in the report on the death of Jasmine Beckford when considering, with the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work and the other Government Departments and organisations affected, the proposals for qualifying training made by the council.

Mrs. Bottomley

Does my hon Friend agree that the House has shown little hesitation in increasing the responsibilities of social workers over the years, and that it is now important to move on the question of training, not only for the benefit of the profession, but for the confidence of the public?

Mr. Whitney

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend. As I said, the Department is in very important negotiations now with all concerned to improve the level of training of social workers.