HC Deb 21 October 1920 vol 133 c1066
19. Sir W. SEAGER

asked the President of the Board of Education if figures can be given showing the actual number of trained male teachers leaving the universities and training colleges in June last; and how far short does this figure fall of the number required to efficiently staff the schools?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Fisher)

The number of trained men teachers leaving the university training departments and training colleges this year was 927. If the existing proportion of men to women certificated teachers, even on the present numbers, is to be maintained, this number is certainly inadequate and should be approximately doubled. As, however, I have already explained to the hon. Member, the future proportion of men to women teachers will depend upon many considerations, the effect of which it is impossible to forecast with any degree of accuracy. I estimate that the number of men completing a course of training next year will be over 2,000, and I hope for a still further increase in the following year.