HC Deb 06 November 1947 vol 443 c1972
2. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Education how many science teachers from secondary and grammar schools have left the teaching profession to go into industry; and if he is satisfied that such transfers will not adversely affect the staffing of our schools in the future.

Mr. Tomlinson

The returns I get from the schools do not enable me to answer the first part of the Question, but I am hoping to get some information about the movement of science graduates in general as a result of the questionnaire which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is sending to them. I have no direct evidence of any abnormal movement of science graduates from the schools, and the expansion of the science faculties at the universities will, I believe, go far to meet the schools' needs.

Mr. Awbery

Could the Minister give the same advantages as those offered by industry, in order to keep these teacners in the teaching profession?

Mr. Tomlinson

I have neither the power nor the authority to do it.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very grave shortage of science teachers in secondary schools, and does he not think that the best way to get adequate supplies is to apply the Burnham scales upwards?

Mr. Tomlinson

I think that any reference to the Burnham scales had better await the report to me of the Burnham Committee.