HC Deb 13 January 1989 vol 144 c769W
Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many students are taking courses leading to the certificate of qualification in social work; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

I understand from the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work that 4,933 students in England were attending courses leading to the award of the certificate of qualification in social work during the 1987–88 academic year. Of those students, 2,639 had commenced their courses during that year.

Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many students are taking courses leading to the certificate in social services; what Government help is given to these students; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

I understand from the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work that 3,401 students in England were participating in schemes leading to the award of the certificate in social services during the 1987–88 academic year. Of those students, 1,325 had joined schemes during that year. These students are staff of local authorities and the costs therefore fall to their employers.