§ 44. Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with the manner in which social services departments have organised their social workers following the implementation of the Seebohm Report; and if she intends to issue further guidance to local authorities on this matter.
§ Mr. Alec JonesSince their creation in 1971 local authority social services departments have made impressive advances in the establishment of a new unified service to individuals and families. They have been faced with many burdens including new legislation, the reorganisation of local government and the National Health Service, and a massive upsurge in public demand for their services, and there have inevitably been transitional difficulties. With increasing experience, however, with further developments in training, and with the advice and support of my Department's Social Work Service I am confident that, notwithstanding current financial stringency, these problems can and will be overcome.