§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many local authorities in England employed fewer qualified social workers than Walsall in 1972–73, 1973–74, 1974–75; and if he is satisfied with the number of qualified social workers in the Walsall metropolitan district at the present time.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe latest information relates to 30th September of the years 1972, 1973, 1974 when local social services authorities employing fewer quailfied454W social workers than Walsall Metropolitan District numbered 36, 18 and nil respectively. I am not satisfied with the percentage of qualified social workers generally, and the Working Party on Manpower and Training for the Social Services was set up to consider this and other matters. The report of the working party, which is to be published soon, will be making recommendations about how the number of qualified social workers may be increased.