§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many and what proportion of mental health officers appointed before 1 April have so far fulfilled the requirements regarding training and so on of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984; and what arrangements are being made for training and so on for those who have not yet fulfilled these requirements
§ Mr. John MacKayThe rate of progress is a matter for local authorities, but I understand that some 200 441W persons have completed extensive courses and that some 200 have undertaken introductory training. Most were appointed as mental health officers before 1 April 1986. Directions made by my right hon. and learned Friend on 29 March 1985 require local authorities to satisfy themselves as to the qualifications, experience and competence of the officers concerned for the purpose of such appointments. Training and assessment for this purpose are subject to arrangement by the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work. Officers appointed before 1 April 1986 are required to have met these requirements not later than 31 March 1987.