§ Mr. Forresterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has completed his discussions with the local authority associations regarding the secondment of social workers to certificate of qualification for social work courses; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe Department has been discussing with the local authority associations and the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work a contingency plan whereby the Local Government Training Board would administer a jointly funded scheme to enable local authorities to second additional staff on to courses leading to the Certificate of Qualification in Social Work. This scheme would operate if there was evidence that there would otherwise be a significant shortfall of students on courses starting this autumn.
Although there is evidence of individual students failing to obtain financial support, the present indications are that, overall, sufficient students will obtain support to fill the available course places. The situation is being closely monitored and the contingency arrangements will be put into operation if this appears necessary.