HC Deb 26 June 1947 vol 439 c668
33. Mr. Ralph Morley

asked the Minis ter of Education, in view of the shortage of women teachers, particularly infants' teachers, what steps he is taking to ensure that there are sufficient places at training colleges and university departments to provide for all young women of the necessary standard who wish to train as teachers.

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

The provision of training college places for women is being expanded as rapidly as building difficulties allow, and it will be further expanded when it is possible to use emergency college buildings to provide training of the normal type.

Mr. Morley

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is alleged that 3,000 intending women teachers have been unable to find places either in training colleges or university departments this year, and by what date does he think that state of affairs will be rectified?

Mr. Hardman

I can only say that there has been a considerable expansion in the last year or two. When one considers that there was training provision before the war for 4,500, which in 1944 had risen to 5,600, and in 1946 to 7,200, I think my hon. Friend will see that a certain expansion has taken place. We expect the acceleration shown in these figures to continue.