§ 25. Mr. George Thomasasked the Minister of Education by what means he proposes to ensure that a substantial proportion of uncertificated teachers may commence their one-year college course this year; and whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction amongst uncertificated teachers refused entrance to college and many of 1689 whose former pupils are in training under the Emergency Training Scheme for Teachers.
§ Mr. HardmanIt is hoped to offer admission for special one-year courses this autumn to rather more than the 400 uncertificated teachers suggested in the circular issued by the Minister of Education last July. These courses are being provided partly in emergency colleges, partly in ordinary training colleges. I can well believe that the teachers eligible for these courses are anxious to enter on them at the earliest possible moment, but they could not be spared from the schools all at once, nor could places be found for them all at once, without undue interference with the initial training of new recruits to the teaching profession.
§ Mr. ThomasIn view of the gross injustice which has been done to a large number of these uncertificated teachers, will the Minister do his best to get a definite quota of uncertificated teachers admitted to emergency training colleges each year?
§ Mr. HardmanIn all, over 2,000 teachers have applied for these special courses, and we expect to provide training in a period of four years.