§ 12. Mr. HARRISasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to a circular letter signed on behalf of the Incorporated Association of Headmasters, Incorporated Association of Assistant Masters, National Union of Teachers, Association of Assistant Mistresses (incorporated), Association of Teachers in Technical Institutions, and Association of Headmistresses (incorporated), inviting members of the respective associations to warn entrants to the teaching profession of the possible dangers of unemployment with which they may be faced on completing their qualification; and whether, having regard to all the facts and circumstances connected with the recruitment of elementary and secondary school teachers, the expense to the State, to local education authorities and to parents, and the lack of financial resources on the part of many students leaving the training colleges, the Board are prepared to investigate the problem of preventing distress and wastage among qualified candidates for the teaching profession?
§ Lord E. PERCYI have seen the circular letter referred to, but as it appears to be based upon inaccurate information, the hon. Member will not, I hope, expect me to accept the suggestion which it makes that serious unemployment is to be anticipated among teachers leaving training colleges. Since the letter has given rise to certain misapprehensions in the Press as to the effect of the Board's policy in the matter of staffing, perhaps I may point out that, on 31st March last, there were 530 more teachers in employment than a year previously, that the number of certificated teachers had increased by 996, while the number of supplementary teachers had decreased by 561, and that the approved establishments provide for a further substantial increase in the number of teachers to be employed in the current year.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESHow many qualified teachers on leaving the training establishments are unemployed?
§ Lord E. PERCYIf the hon. Gentleman will look at the answer I gave about a month ago, he will find very full particulars on the subject. Roughly speaking, last year 89 per cent. of those who left training colleges last July obtained immediate employment.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs the increase in the number of teachers due to the increased number of children at school or for the purpose of reducing the size of the classes?
§ Lord E. PERCYThe general tendency, of course, is for the number of children, at school to increase. I could not without notice say that on 31st March after the number had actually fallen or remained about stationary.
§ Mr. HARRISWill the Noble Lord consider whether he can make representations to the training colleges that there should be more co-ordination between them and the local education authorities so that the gap between leaving college and entering the service of an authority should be reduced?
§ Lord E. PERCYThe hon. Member may remember that the Report of the Departmental Committee recommended that the Board should establish arrangements for consultation so that training colleges might receive guidance.
§ Mr. TAYLORIs it not a fact that the Noble Lord has put pressure on a number of local authorities to increase the size of their classes and dismiss teachers?
§ Lord E. PERCYNo.
§ Mr. TAYLORIs it not a fact that in particular instances the Noble Lord has pressed local authorities to increase the size of classes?