HC Deb 09 June 1976 vol 912 cc694-6W
Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what number of visits were carried out during the preceding 12 months by officers appointed under the terms of Section 6(1) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968; what action resulted from such visits; and what instructions have been sent to local authorities as a result;

(2) what reports he has received from his duly authorised officer of the number of visits made to residential or other establishments provided by local authorities or by voluntary organisations in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968;

(3) how many inspections have been carried out in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(2) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968; what was the nature of the premises where the inspection were carried out; and what was the result of such inspections;

(4) what reports he has received from his duly appointed officer as to the number of foster children being maintained within the meaning of Section 6(b) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 with regard to the number of places where more than one child is being maintained;

(5) what number of "other persons" have been visited and what inspection has been made in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(1)(a) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.

Mr. McElhone

It has not been thought necessary to instruct formal visits or inspections of records as envisaged in this section. Visits and inspections are, however, made from time to time as part of the normal work of the Central Advisory Service. Any matters arising from these visits are taken up with local authorities or voluntary organisations as appropriate. Details of visits and inspections which have taken place and the reports thereon could be assembled only at disproportionate expense.

Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps he has taken or what procedures he has laid down to ensure that the provisions of Section 5 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act are being carried out;

(2) how many households have been approved in terms of subsection (3)(b) of Section 5 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968;

(3) how many persons have been investigated and information recorded in terms of Section 5, subsection (3)(a) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.

Mr. McElhone

Guidance in terms of Section 5 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 has been given from time to time through the issue of circulars and advice notes. No regulations have been made under the provisions of subsection (3) of Section 5, but the Boarding Out (Scotland) Regulations 1959 deal with the suitability of foster parents. Information is not available centrally on the number of persons who have been accepted as suitable foster parents by local authorrities or voluntary organisations.

Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what number of places within the meaning of Section 6(1)(c) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 are provided by voluntary organisations; what are the names of such organisations; and what is the nature of the places provided.

Mr. McElhone

This information is not available centrally.