HC Deb 31 January 1929 vol 224 cc1119-20
56. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can state the total number of teachers in Scotland who have passed all the examinations and training required and yet have not been able to secure employment; and if he is taking any active steps to reduce the size of classes in schools to provide employment?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

The reply is in the negative. The Department have no means of estimating the number of qualified teachers in Scotland who are unemployed and who desire employment. With regard to the second part, the hon. Member will be aware that a reduction in the maximum size of classes was made last September, but I do not think that the provision of employment is a factor which by itself can affect the Department's consideration of this matter.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Are statistics kept of the people who pass through training colleges and on whose training the Government spend money? Are there any figures as to the number who are now seeking employment?

Sir J. GILMOUR

There are certain figures as to the number of people who pass in certain years, and I shall give the hon. Member those figures. The number of Scottish students who completed training during and at the end of session 1927–1928 is 1,585, and of these, 912 had received appointments up to 1st November, 1928—that is about three months after completing training. The percentage is 57.5. In the previous period the percentage was 84.2, but this figure refers to the number who obtained appointments 15 months after completing training.