Social Work Services

HC Deb 04 April 1973 vol 854 cc94-5W

Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the local authority social work service.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The social work services are being rapidly expanded as more resources become available, but a number of local authorities are short of trained staff and accommodation. Local authorities are advised on the development of their services by the social work advisers in my Department. As indicated in my reply of 27th March to the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. Alexander Wilson), provision has been made in the rate support grant for a substantial increase in expenditure in the next two years. I have asked local authorities to draw up proposals for the further development of the social work services up to 1978, and these proposals are now being received and considered.— [Vol. 853, cols. 305–306.]