HC Deb 04 April 1946 vol 421 cc1379-80
27. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Education if the scheme for exchange of teachers between this country and the U.S.A. is now complete; how many does it include and from what schools; how many men have accepted; and what financial aid is being granted.

Miss Wilkinson

The arrangements for interchange on this side are now complete, and particulars of 75 British candidates have been forwarded to the American Committee dealing with the matter. It has been decided for practical reasons to limit the number of exchanges this year to 50 teachers. The selected applicants include teachers from all types of school and among them are five men. I have made a grant towards the cost of the work of the British Interchange Committee but it has not been possible this year to give any financial aid towards the expenses of teachers concerned. As I informed the hon. Member last December, I am considering this question, with reference to future years.

Mr. Osborne

Would it not be more satisfactory if at least half the teachers were male instead of being 45 women and only five men. Have the arrangements on the other side been completed, and are the American teachers coming over here?

Miss Wilkinson

It depends on the number of teachers who apply. Among those who do apply, we have to consider which of them have the necessary qualifications, and so on. With regard to the American side, I understand they are in pretty much the same position as we are.

Captain Francis Noel-Baker

Have exchanges of students and school children also been resumed between this country and America?

Miss Wilkinson

We are expecting a small interchange this summer, in one small scheme, but that is with Europe and not with America, owing to difficulties which are well known to this House.

Mr. Osborne

Is it not a fact that the men do not go because they are married and cannot afford it, and is it not therefore urgent that the Government should give a financial grant?

Miss Wilkinson

That is among the disabilities of married life, but I am doing my best to see what can be done for them next year.