HC Deb 12 July 1938 vol 338 cc1090-1
15. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of teachers in Fife who teach in both day school and night school; the number graduating from Fife each year for the past five years; and the number on the waiting list for employment?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)

The number asked for in the first part of the question is 303. As to the second part, the numbers of Fife students who qualified as teachers in each of the five years from 1933–34 to 1937–38, were 88, 81, 67, 64 and 81 respectively. The number on the waiting list for employment is 35.

Mr. Gallacher

Are any special measures being taken in order to get these teachers jobs? Not only in Fife but all over Scotland teachers are finding great difficulty in getting jobs.

Mr. Colville

I find that 33 of the 35 teachers I mentioned have been given work for varying periods as interim teachers. The raising of the school-leaving age may increase the demand for teachers.

16. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average number of scholars attending night schools in Fife during the past five years and the numbers who complete the courses?

Mr. Colville

The average number of scholars attending continuation classes in Fife during the five years ended in 1937 was 9,425. Particulars as to the numbers of scholars who completed the courses are not immediately available, but I am making inquiry and will communicate the results to the hon. Member.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out that as a result of the hard work they have to do in the day time many of these scholars do not complete the course at the night schools, and will he provide special means to lessen the amount of work they have to do in the day time?

17. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of pupils in Fife schools leaving the schools this year and the average leaving the schools in Fife for the past five years?

Mr. Colville

The number of pupils leaving the schools in Fife this year is estimated to be 4,950. In the five years ended 31st July, 1937, the average annual number was 5,503.

Mr. Gallacher

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these lads and lassies who come out of school are going to be left without any occupation or simply go into blind-alley occupations, and will any special steps be taken to ensure a future for them?