HC Deb 30 June 1953 vol 517 cc179-80
10. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many protests he has received following the publication of Scottish Education Department Circular No. 269 which seeks to lower the conditions of entry into teacher training colleges; and if he will reconsider this step.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have received eight so far. Interested parties may, however, make representations until 20th July, after which I will consider all that have been submitted.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the opposition is bound to increase after the speech of the Joint Under-Secretary this morning? Can he inform us to what extent the opposition has to go before he can consider the proposal again?

Mr. Stuart

As was stated this morning in Standing Committee, the Educational Institute of Scotland are opposed and four of the eight representations are either from the executive committee or branches of the Educational Institute, but I shall certainly consider all representations.

Mr. Hamilton

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my supplementary question; to what extent must this opposition go before he will reconsider the proposal?

Mr. Stuart

It is very difficult to speak in terms of representations of what makes a majority. I would rather confine myself to saying that I will certainly consider the representations.

Mr. Rankin

Are the protests the right hon. Gentleman received this morning among the eight?

Mr. Stuart

No, they are new ones.

29. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what view the Association of Headmasters of Senior and Secondary Schools and the Association of Headmistresses expressed to him in his discussion with them on the draft regulations accompanying Circular 269.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have not discussed the draft regulations with these associations, but before publishing them I had considered memoranda from both associations on the general question of the supply of teachers. The memorandum from the Association of Headmasters made no reference to the possibility of a change in the conditions of entry to the training colleges. The memorandum from the Association of Headmistresses suggested a slight relaxation and I understand that they support the proposal in the draft regulations.