§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the local authorities who at present employ fully-trained children's officers; and what steps he is taking to encourage local authorities to appoint qualified persons.
§ Mr. NobleThe following local authorities employ children's officers who have qualifications in social work:
Counties: Angus; Dumfriesshire (joint appointment with Dumfries Burgh); Dunbartonshire; East Lothian, Midlothian and Peeblesshire (joint authority); Inverness-shire; Roxburghshire; Wigtownshire.
Burghs: Aberdeen; Dundee; Falkirk; Glasgow; Perth; Stirling. In addition, a number of other authorities employ children's officers with other relevant qualifications, e.g., a Poor Law diploma or nursing qualifications.
I always expect local authorities to appoint as children's officers the best available applicants, but I am very conscious of the need to increase the supply of persons fully qualified to hold these posts.