HC Deb 29 July 1943 vol 391 cc1766-7
53. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the President of the Board of Education the total number of teachers at present for which his Department is ultimately responsible; whether he can give an estimate of the number of teachers required to implement his plan of educational reconstruction; and, provided the education and training of such teachers is maintained at present standard, in what year he hopes to achieve the objectives of his plan?

Mr. Butler

The present total number is approximately 200,000, including those in grant-aided, nursery, special and technical schools. Not far short of 70,000 additional teachers may ultimately be required. I shall be discussing the timetable of the reforms later to-day.

Mr. Davies

Will the Minister make it clear, so as not to deceive the public, that these proposed reforms depend very largely upon the number of teachers trained and the building of new schools?

Mr. Butler

I do not wish to deceive either the House or the public. I shall have an ample opportunity of developing this matter later to-day. In the meantime I am grateful to the hon. Member for his Question.

Mr. Lipson

Is this figure of 70,000 additional teachers based on the assumption of a reduction in the size of classes?

Mr. Butler

That is taken into consideration.