§ 20. Major GLYNasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the adverse effect on the supply of rural pupil teachers which will result from the withdrawal of the preliminary examination for the certificate as foreshadowed in Circular 1372; and whether, in view of the necessity of maintaining an adequate supply of teachers suitably prepared for giving instruction in rural schools, he will consider the possibility of substituting some alternative examination leading up to a scheme of training specially adapted to the needs of teachers interested in country life and alive to its problems?
§ Lord PERCYI am obliged to the hon. and gallant Member for affording me an opportunity of removing the apprehensions to which he alludes. Some county authorities have already made representations to me on this subject, and I have given assurances that, pending a more permanent arrangement, the 1397 Board will take steps to ensure that there will be an examination appropriate for these young intending teachers up to December of 1930.
The wider issue raised in the latter part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is one of the most important questions which the Board and local authorities have to consider at the present time. I think it is generally agreed that our present arrangements do not sufficiently ensure the maim tenance of a supply of teachers interested in country life and pursuits, and capable of giving that type of advanced and practical instruction most suitable to the needs of the country districts. In consultation with the County Councils Association, the Board are, therefore, considering what steps can be taken to arrange courses of training alternative to those normally adopted which, while retaining an adequate level of general education, will provide special facilities for acquiring knowledge in horticulture and agriculture and for stimulating interest in rural environment.