§ Mr. David Huntasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many officers of the social work service were on short lists submitted to him for director of social services appointments in each year since 1972; and how many had previously held local authority social services appointments at director, deputy director or assistant director level.
§ Dr. OwenSince 1972 nine officers of the social work services have been included in short lists submitted by local authorities, eight during 1973 and one during 1974. None had previously held an appointment at director, deputy director or assistant director level in a local authority social services department.
§ Mr. David Huntasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how often in 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1976 to date he has indicated to local authorities that certain candidates they wished to short list for director of social services posts would be prohibited if appointed; and how many such persons were professionally qualified social workers who already held appointments as directors of social services with other authorities.
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§ Dr. OwenWhere my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has doubts about the suitability of a short-listed candidate the authority is informed that he would require to be further consulted should the authority wish, after interview, to appoint him. Directions prohibiting appointments are only issued if, after further consultations, the authority wishes to appoint an applicant whom he regards as unfit for the post. Two directions prohibiting appointments were issued in 1973 and one in 1974. None related to a professionally qualified worker already holding a director's post.