HC Deb 04 December 1941 vol 376 cc1248-9
43. Mr. Lindsay

asked the President of the Board of Education how many teachers have now been called up or joined the Armed Forces?

Mr. Butler

From the information available, it appears that the number of teachers from grant-aided schools serving with the Forces is between 20,000 and 25,000.

Mr. Lindsay

Does my right hon. Friend realise that with the additional burdens being put on teachers—over 20,000 have been called up—the limit has been reached?

Mr. Butler

My hon. Friend may rest assured that I realise the burdens being imposed upon teachers at the present time and the way in which they are facing up to them. I shall do everything I can to lighten those burdens.

Sir P. Harris

Is not the first consideration the interests of the children? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that boys from 12 to 14 are suffering because of the really serious shortage of male teachers, and will he consult his right hon. Friends in the Government on that particular aspect?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. The right hon. Gentleman may rest assured that I have already brought that to the attention of my colleagues in the Government.