HC Deb 22 November 1977 vol 939 cc648-9W
14. Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the number of social workers employed by local and national Government and the cost of the same to public funds in the years 1964, 1970 and 1976, respectively.

Mr. Deakins

the number of social workers, including trainees and social work assistants employed by local social services authorities in 1976 was 21,900. Prior to the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 social workers were employed under various titles by a number of different local authority departments and by the National Health Service. A direct comparison of figures cannot, therefore, be made, but it is estimated that 10,400 social workers were employed in 1966 and 12,200 in 1970.

the cost of social workers in 1976 was £113 million. there are no comparable figures for the previous years.

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