§ Mr. Kimballasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representation he has had about his intention to abolish the diploma in training and further education for the mentally handicapped; and if he will reconsider his decision to replace it with a certificate in social service.
§ Mr. DeakinsTraining in the social services is the responsibility of an independent statutory body, the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work. Both the council and I have had a542W number of representations about the council's proposal to phase out the present diploma in the training and further education of mentally handicapped adults and replace it by the certificate in social service. In response to the axieties expressed, the council last year set up a widely representative working party to examine this subject. This working party has now reported, and the council will be considering the report at its next meeting. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library. I have asked the council to keep me informed of developments.