§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the(a) Association of Directors of Social Services and (b) local authorities regarding the cost to them of the need to employ agency social workers. [106548]
§ Jacqui SmithI have regular discussions with representatives from local authorities and the Association of Direct ors of Social Services on a range of finance related issues, however it is for local councils to decide what staff to employ taking account of local circumstances.