§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further consultations he has held with local authorities regarding amalgamations for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements of the Social Work (Scotland) Act.
§ Mr. RossOn 25th October a circular was issued asking local authorities to consider combining for the purposes of the Act and setting out the main factors which they should bear in mind. Subsequently my officials have had informal discussions with representatives of numerous local authorities and with their associations.
§ Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made in encouraging voluntary amalgamations of local authorities in setting up social work departments under the Social Work (Scotland) Act, 1968.
§ Mr. RossMidlothian, East Lothian and Peebles have decided to combine and so have Greenock and Port Glasgow. Aberdeenshire and Kincardine have advertised jointly for a director of social work and are discussing combination.