§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to ensure that the Government's rejection of the proposed three year qualification for social work does not jeopardise the achievement of parity of recognition of British social work qualifications alongside other European qualifications.
§ Mr. MellorThe European Community directive on a general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas was adopted on 21 December 1988 and will be implemented in European Community member states on 4 January 1991. It will make it easier for members of a number of professional groups to practice in other member states.
The Government and the European Commission support the principle of mutual recognition of qualifications irrespective of length of training and will be working towards this in the context of completing the single market by 1992.
The Government, meanwhile, fully recognise the importance of achieving high standards of training for social workers and other staff employed in the personal social services. We are promoting, with full knowledge of the Directive and in co-operation with the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work and other organisations, a number of improvements to present arrangements.