HC Deb 23 July 1914 vol 65 cc643-4
85. Mr. HOARE

asked how many schemes for the recruitment of teachers, other than the bursarship and pupil teacher systems, have the Board of Education approved; what is the amount of the Grant that the Board have made for them; and what sum is available for such Grants in this year's Estimates?

Mr. PEASE

The number of schemes which have been submitted for the approval of the Board under Chapter 8 of the Regulations for 1913 is four. None have yet been finally approved. The work upon which Grant will be paid will not be completed until the end of the educational year, and the Grant will be paid by the end of the financial year. It is not possible to say exactly what amount of the estimate, sub-head (e), will be available for Grants in aid of the schemes in question as the amount is dependent upon the amount paid in respect of certain other Grants, the total of which is not yet known; but it is anticipated that the amount available will be fully adequate.

86. Mr. HOARE

asked how many students it is estimated are leaving the training colleges this term; and what is the estimated number of teachers required in the school year by local education authorities?

Mr. PEASE

The number of students other than certificated students leaving training colleges this term will be about 5,300. So far as the Board are able to estimate from the information given in the First Report of the Departmental Committee en the Superannuation of Teachers and from other sources, the number of certificated and uncertificated teachers leaving the profession permanently is at present about 7,000 per annum, but this figure makes no allowance for improvement of school staffs.

Mr. EDGAR JONES

Are the Board of Education going to do nothing until the right hon. Gentleman appoints some Committee to inquire into this matter?

Mr. PEASE

A great number of steps have been taken with regard to the matters mentioned in this question.

Mr. E. JONES

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it right to prosecute parents for not sending their children to schools which are purposely understaffed with teachers hopelessly inefficient?

Mr. PEASE

We do not make Giants to schools which are inefficiently carried on.

Mr. E. JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry as to the appointment of totally incompetent teachers to posts hitherto occupied by suitable teachers?

Mr. PEASE

If the hon. Member will call my attention to any school which is inefficient in any respect, I will see it is remedied as soon as possible.