HC Deb 28 February 1977 vol 927 cc71-2W
Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many fully trained social workers were in practice in each of the last five years in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Carter

Figures are not available for periods prior to the reorganisation of the Health and Personal Social Services on 1st October 1973. The numbers of fully trained* social workers employed by health and social services boards and by the Probation Service in October of each year since then are as follows:

1973, 219; 1974, 270; 1975, 351; 1976, 367.

The numbers of fully trained social workers in practice in the voluntary sector are not available.

* Holding the Certificate of Qualification in Social Work, or equivalent.

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