HC Deb 08 November 1945 vol 415 cc1423-4
1. Mr. Haydn Davies

asked the Minister of Education whether in view of the shortage of schoolmasters, she will take steps to secure the release from the Forces of men whose university or college education was interrupted by military service, so that they can resume their studies immediately instead of waiting for the next academic year, thereby speeding by 12 months the influx of trained schoolmasters into the schools.

The Minister of Education (Miss Ellen Wilkinson)

Arrangements can usually be made for men released from the Forces to resume their studies immediately, without waiting for the next academic year. Now it has been agreed that in view of the shortage of teachers, special arrangements shall be made for the early release of a number of men whose courses at university training departments or training colleges were interrupted by military service, and I shall be announcing details shortly to the Departments and colleges concerned.

Mr. Sunderland

Will the statement include a reference to those officer-teachers who are in the B.A.O.R. and whose release groups have been deferred?

Miss Wilkinson

No; that is entirely a different matter.

Mr. Stephen

Will this also apply in Scotland?

Miss Wilkinson

That Question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for Scotland.