§ 8. Miss Irene Wardasked the Minister of Education how many teachers applied to go to Europe last year under the Exchange of Teachers Scheme; how many went; and what was the reason for the small number for which firm plans were made.
§ Mr. TomlinsonForty-seven applications were received. Twelve were appointed of whom three withdrew at a late stage. A number of applicants did not have the appropriate qualifications. These interchange schemes are, moreover, based on an exchange of equal numbers of teachers and a shortage of suitable foreign candidates reduced the number of interchange posts available for English teachers.
§ Miss WardIs the Minister aware there was very great disappointment after applicants had been asked to send in their names? Will he try to see there is a more successful scheme during this coming year?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI cannot guarantee there will never be any disappointments because every time there are more applicants than there are places somebody is disappointed.