HC Deb 06 June 1946 vol 423 cc2160-1
63. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Minister of Education what are the latest figures available of teachers registered with the Appointments Board as having been unemployed for a period of two months or longer; and what proportion comes from Wales.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Hardman)

The National Union of Teachers Appointments Board informs me that on 28th May there were on the register no teachers who had been unemployed for two months or more, of whom 40 came from Wales. I am glad to say that by 3rd June the number had been reduced to 80, of whom 33 were from Wales. Some of the teachers cannot be immediately placed until vacancies arise in particular localities where they desire to serve for domestic or other reasons.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that a considerable proportion of these teachers are lads who qualified before entering the Services but never took up an appointment, and now when they come out they are finding exceptional difficulty? Will he take special steps to help that category?

Mr. Hardman

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that we are issuing a circular to local education authorities on the whole question of recruitment of teachers and we are discussing the whole problem with these bodies.

Mr. Hopkin Morris

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many graduates are included in the number he has given?

Mr. Hardman

No, I do not think I can break up these figures without notice.

65. Mr. Hopkin Morris

asked the Minister of Education how many qualified teachers are at present, unemployed in the county of Carmarthen.

Mr. Hardman

I understand from the Appointments Board for Teachers, which is conducted by the National Union of Teachers in conjunction with the Association of Education Committees, that on 3rd June there were four teachers on their books who were resident in the county of Carmarthen.

Mr. Lipson

Will the Minister circularise local authorities which have very large classes, to see if they can make use of these unemployed teachers wherever they are?

Mr. Hardman

I think I have already answered that point in reply to an earlier question.