HC Deb 21 July 1949 vol 467 cc1542-3
39. Mr. Joynson-Hicks

asked the Minister of Education how many applications he received from students on completion of their training for permits to teach in non-profit-making independent schools during the year ended 31st March, 1949; how many were granted; and what was the average period between the application and the grant of the permit.

Mr. Tomlinson

During the year ended 31st March, 1949, I received 120 applications on behalf of grant-aided students in training colleges and university departments of education for permission to accept posts in other than State-aided schools. Most of these were non-grant-earning efficient secondary schools, but I do not know how many were nonprofit-making; 101 of the applications were granted and 19 were refused. The average period between receipt of the application and notification of the decision was about one month.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a presumption in training establishments that it is very difficult to get a permit, and that it takes a long time? Is he aware that, in consequence, people are not applying for these permits, and can he make the acquiescence of his Department in granting permits more freely more widely known?

Mr. Tomlinson

My answer disposes of the suggestion that applications are not looked upon with sympathy.

Mrs. Leah Manning

As a general rule, are not grant-aided students appointed to grant-aided and grant-maintained schools?

Mr. Tomlinson

Generally, that is the case; in the vast majority of cases it works out that way.