§ 35. Mr. BOWERMANasked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the recent decision of the military authorities to withdraw a further number of teachers from our schools, he can state the steps which are being taken to maintain the educational efficiency of the country so far as the teaching staff are concerned?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)It is open to local education authorities and governing bodies of schools to appeal to local tribunals against the calling up of teachers, and if they desire assistance in placing the educational considerations before the tribunal I am prepared to place the services of the Board's officers at their disposal as far as possible. The Army Council have agreed to release, wherever practicable, teachers serving in the Forces in this country who are in medical categories below B l on condition that they return to the teaching profession.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at this moment the Army authorities are calling up teachers from their work who are in category C3?
§ Mr. FISHERI am not aware of it.
§ 36. Mr. ANDERSONasked whether there are 60,000 uncertificated teachers in this country; whether he is aware that the remuneration of these teachers, despite the character of their work and the cost of living, is altogether inadequate; and what steps it is proposed to take in this matter?
§ Mr. FISHERThere are about 41,500 uncertificated teachers in public elementary schools in England and Wales. As I have already stated, I fully appreciate the importance of securing a permanent improvement in the remuneration of the teaching profession, and I have not overlooked the position of this class of teacher.