HC Deb 20 June 1969 vol 785 c172W
Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what exchange programmes exist between health and social workers employed in the public service with their counterparts in member countries of the European Economic Community; and in what way his Department is encouraging employing authorities to sponsor such exchanges.

Mr. Crossman

Exchange programmes involving professional employment require greater freedom of estabilshment, including reciprocal recognition of professional qualifications, than is at present practicable; but through their membership of the Council of Europe and the World Health Organisation the Government co-operate in arrangements under which a number of doctors and other health workers are awarded fellowships to study the work of their colleagues in this country and in the countries of the European Economic Community. Social workers also participate in the fellowship awards of the Council of Europe, and in the exchange and study programmes organised by the United Nations European Social Development Office at Geneva.