§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of qualified and unqualified social workers, excluding management and supervisory staff, employed by Walsall Metropolitan District Council; and if he will compare the ratio of quail- 44W tied to unqualified staff with the average figures for England and Wales.
§ Mr. DeakinsAs at 30th September 1974, the latest date for which a comparison can be made, there were 56 social workers in post of whom one—2 per cent.—was qualified. In England, 38 per cent of social workers were qualified, and in Wales 33 per cent. I understand that the authority has currently three qualified basic grade social workers in post and that five more officers will be completing qualifying courses shortly.
§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has that local authorities are now deliberately recruiting unqualified social workers in preference to those with qualifications.
§ Mr. DeakinsI have no such evidence, but if the hon. Member has a particular instance in mind I shall be glad to have inquiries made.