§ 12. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give figures to show in which subjects the shortage of teachers is most pronounced; and what steps are proposed to meet the situation.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartThe subjects in which shortage is most pronounced are mathematics and science, domestic subjects, physical education (women) and music. I will, with permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am considering, in consultation with the bodies concerned, what might be done to improve the position.
§ Mr. HoyWill the hon. Gentleman now consider using blind teachers, whose services have so often been refused by the Scottish Education Department?
§ Mr. StewartThe hon. Gentleman and I have gone into this in great detail. As he knows, the cases he has in mind are not very easy of solution.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonWhatever else my hon. Friend does, will he avoid differential salaries for different categories of teachers?
§ Following are the figures:
| Subject | Staffing deficiency at 1.10.52 | Number of teachers in category at 1.10.52 | Deficiency as a percentage of posts (filled and unfilled) |
| All categories | 2,260 | 34,500 | 6.1 |
| Music | 247 | 562 | 30.5 |
| Physical Education (women) | 94 | 491 | 16.1 |
| Domestic Subjects | 225 | 1,474 | 13.2 |
| Mathematics and Science | 218 | 1,569 | 12.2 |