§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are currently receiving training in the certificate of qualification in social work; and to what extent this meets the demand for trained social workers.
§ Mr. NewtonI have been advised by the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work that the total number of students on training courses leading to the award of the certificate of qualification in social work, in the United Kingdom, was 6,140 in 1986—the latest year for which figures are available. In the same year there were also 3,812 students on schemes leading to the award of the certificate in social service, which is now accepted by the council as a social work qualification.
489WThe council estimates that an annual intake of 5,000 students is necessary to maintain the current level of qualified social workers. The combined intake of students to CQSW courses and CSS schemes in 1986 was 4,785.