§ 71. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary for Scotland how many teachers have attested since war broke out; what is now the ratio of male teachers to pupils as compared with 1913; and whether he proposes to put any limit to such enlistments?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The total number of teachers who since the outbreak of the War have been called to the Colours on mobilisation, have enlisted for immediate service, or have been attested under the Group system, is 2,275 out of a total of 3,736 of military age. The ratio of male teachers to pupils was 1 to 156 in 1913 and 1 to 201 in 1915, but owing to an increase in the number of female teachers, the average number of pupils per teacher has remained at the pre-war figure of 41. With regard to the last part of the question, an arrangement 862 has already been arrived at with the War Office under which the educational requirements of each locality will be considered before teachers in the remaining Groups are called up for service.