§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many social workers have been recruited from the United States of America during the past 12 months; and whether she intends to encourage the recruitment of such workers from the United States of America during 1976.
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§ Mr. MeacherI assume that the hon. Member has in mind the pilot scheme initiated by the Association of Directors of Social Services under which 26 qualified social workers have recently been recruited from the United States of America to fill posts in local authority social services departments. All have taken posts which the authorities concerned had previously advertised without attracting suitable qualified applicants. The question whether the scheme should be continued next year is a matter for the Association and for prospective employing authorities, but I understand that they are considering this.