HC Deb 02 December 1943 vol 395 cc491-2
16. Mr. W. Brown

asked the President of the Board of Education what progress he has met with in regard to the recruitment of teachers?

Mr. Butler

The first in the series of conferences referred to in my answers of 21st October and 11th November last has been held. The programme of meetings will, I hope, be completed by the middle of January. The correspondence courses for members of the Services are expected to be available early in the new year, thus every practicable step is being taken pending the release of men and women from the Forces.

Mrs. Cazalet Keir

Will my right hon. Friend consider issuing a White Paper setting out the short-term policy far the training of teachers?

Mr. Butler

I will certainly take any steps which commend themselves, in order that hon. Members may know about it, but I think the scheme was, in general, set out in the answer given to the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Mr. Pickthorn) on. 21st October. If my hon. Friend wants any further information, I will certainly consider her request.

Sir Geoffrey Shakespeare

Will the Minister confer with the Minister of Labour in order to ensure a reasonable priority of demobilisation, so that these men may be returned in order to train for their avocation?

Mr. Butler

All those matters are under consideration.