HC Deb 25 May 1950 vol 475 cc2211-2
13. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Education how many trained teachers are now awaiting posts; and what are the circumstances that have caused this temporary unemployment.

Mr. Tomlinson

I have no information about the total number of teachers now awaiting posts, but I am aware that a number of men who have recently completed courses at emergency training colleges are in this position. This has happened mainly because relatively large numbers of men have been seeking em- ployment at the same time in the same areas and because many of them find it difficult to move to areas where they are more urgently needed.

Mr. Sorensen

Can the Minister say how long it will be before these men are put into suitable positions, particularly in view of the fact that many of them are suffering great financial hardship. In those circumstances will he not only answer the first part of the Question, but indicate what will be done to meet the special needs until posts are secured?

Mr. Tomlinson

I do not think we should attempt to aggravate this problem. Of the 1,700 men who left the emergency colleges since last December, 225 were recently reported to me as being still without posts, but 125 of these men ended their courses only last week. Thus, it will be seen it is not a big problem, and I am doing what I can to meet it.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

How can there be unemployment among teachers since, as we know, there are upwards of 50 pupils both in primary and secondary school classes?

Mr. Tomlinson

I have explained on more than one occasion the difficulty that there is in finding places for people in their home towns. There is plenty of room for the teachers, but not in the places where all the teachers want to go.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cause of this failure and the consequent hardships on the teachers is largely due to the failure of the Minister of Health to get on with a proper housing programme?

Mr. Tomlinson

No, I think that is a travesty of the situation.

Mr. Sorensen

Has any special provision been made for these men, some of whom are married and are suffering great hardship, which will continue until they find jobs? In the circumstances, I give notice that I will raise this matter again at the earliest possible opportunity.