Social work in Europe
Sir: In poking fun at the International Federation of Social Workers Liaison Committee for Social Workers in the European Community (Notebook, 14 February), Alexander Chancellor's piece – inspired by Mrs June Lait — contains five errors of fact. First, the Liaison Committee has not been in existence for ten years. It was established in 1975. Second, the Committee is not concerned with the 'harmonisation' of social work training. From its very first meeting, it has ruled out any possibility of seeking harmonisation. Third, the Committee is not financed by the Commission. It is an independent body. Members do receive travelling expenses from the Commission for attendance at a meeting once a year to discuss various aspects of European social policy. Fourth, the initials which so amuse Mr Chancellor have been used by no one but he in the six-year life of the Committee. Fifth, I am no longer the Secretary of the Liaison Committee.
The next time Mrs Lait wants to ride her hobby-horse by belittling social work, she should check her facts. Otherwise readers may wish to pay the same regard to her views that she does to accuracy.
T. D. Bamford 36 Longfield, Great Missenden, Bucks
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