HC Deb 03 March 1981 vol 1000 cc82-3W
51. Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the number of social services departments of local authorities which use voluntary helpers.

Sir George Young

Social services departments are not required to give me this information, although I have no reason to doubt that all use voluntary helpers to a greater or lesser extent. The Department has, however, commissioned a research study from the Policy Studies Institute in conjunction with the Volunteer Centre on the use of volunteers by social services departments.