HC Deb 22 May 1947 vol 437 cc2503-4
13. Mr. K. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Education whether his attention has been called to the number of grammar school masters who have recently left the profession; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this loss in the future.

Mr. Tomlinson

I have seen reports in the Press, but I have no direct evidence of abnormal wastage, and, while I am concerned to secure the suitable staffing of all types of schools, I am not satisfied that special action in respect of grammar schools is called for.

Mr. Lindsay

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the figures, which show that 1,300 such teachers have left in the last few years? I admit that some have gone to inspectorates and so forth, but will he use all his influence to get a revision of the graduate scale, which has the support of the whole of the teachers of this country?

Mr. Tomlinson

I am not satisfied that the revision of the graduate scale is necessary, nor that the figures are accurate. I should like to check them. They have appeared in the Press, but I have had no opportunity of checking them. I do not think it is a question of the graduate scale determining the influx of teachers or otherwise.