HC Deb 26 October 1944 vol 404 cc335-6
28. Mr. Bowles

asked the Minister of Education what steps should be taken by Service personnel who are anxious to take advantage of the emergency scheme for recruitment and training of teachers.

Mr. Butler

The emergency scheme for the training of teachers will come into operation as and when men and women are released from the Forces and other forms of national service. Those who are able to undertake some preparatory work now should ask their Unit Education Officers for advice as to the best form of reading or study to take up.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Can the Minister say, in view of this chronic shortage, whether there have been any special personnel seconded to advocate among the Forces the special claims of teaching after the war; and how many are taking the correspondence courses?

Mr. Butler

I should require notice in order to give the exact answer, but my hon. Friend will realise that we, are doing our best to see that those in the Forces understand the great opening which lies before them.

Mr. Lindsay

Can I press the Minister on this point, because, apparently, there is not a very satisfactory link between the unit education officers in the Forces and those who wish to take up this vitally important profession?

Mr. Summers

Will the Minister bear in mind the national advantage of allow- ing those who are qualified to become teachers to be demobilised at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Butler

I have already said that I am in touch with the Minister of Labour and National Service on that matter.