asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the recommended ratio of social workers to population in Scotland.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 17th February to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. Wilson).—[Vol. 905, c. 614–15.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the current ratio of social workers to population for each of the Scottish regions and island authorities.

This information will not be available until the first returns are made later this year by the regional and island authorities following the introduction of a new system of social work statistics.