52. Mr. MALONEasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the London County Council, at the suggestion of the Board of Education, is proceeding to engage for the conduct of its junior classes a number of untrained and unqualified persons with a status lower than that of an uncertificated teacher; whether he is aware of the protest recently passed by the Association of Education Committees of England and Wales against the staffing of infants' departments in this way; and whether he will reconsider the whole question?
§ Mr. FISHERThe Association of Education Committees has expressed its disapproval of the staffing of infants' departments largely by teachers of lower qualifications than those of certificated and uncertificated teachers. I understand that for the care and training of children under five years of age the London County Council intend to engage and train 100 women of suitable capacity and personality. I see no reason to take exception to their proposal.
Mr. MALONEIs it a fact that the only qualification is that they shall have been vaccinated and be over 18 years of age?
§ Mr. FISHERIt is proposed to put them through a course of training.
§ Major Sir BERTRAM FALLECan the right hon. Gentleman say what salary these ladies obtain?
§ Mr. FISHERAs to that I cannot say.
§ Mr. MYERSWhat justification is there for appointing 100 untrained teachers when, according to the answer to the last question, there is a large number who have been trained and cannot find situations?
§ Mr. FISHERThe justification is the justification of economy.