§ 23. Mr. Morleyasked the Minister of Education the final number of vacancies in teacher training colleges for the 1952–53 session.
§ Mr. G. WilliamsOn a point of order. I do not think you called me, Mr. Speaker, to ask Question 22.
§ Mr. SpeakerI called the hon. Member's name quite clearly, but he did not rise.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Kenneth Pickthorn)Altogether some 450 places were left vacant in training colleges for the courses which began in the 1952–53 session.
§ 24. Mr. Morleyasked the Minister of Education how many places in teacher training colleges in England and Wales had been taken up at the end of March for the 1953–54 session; and what was the comparable figure last year.
§ Mr. PickthornAt the end of March, 9,620 places had been filled, or offered to students by training colleges, for courses of initial training beginning next autumn. The comparable figure last year was 9,196.
§ Mr. MorleyCan the Parliamentary Secretary say what steps his right hon. Friend is taking, and what suggestions she is making, to ensure that there will be no vacancies in the training colleges in September?
§ Mr. PickthornThe figures show some improvement, as the hon. Gentleman will have seen, and every effort is being made to keep that improvement continuing.
§ Mr. J. JohnsonMust we sit down and patiently wait for the larger classes in the late 1950s before we get more teachers coming in?
§ Mr. PickthornNo; every effort is being made to fill the places in the 1398 training colleges, and the figures are, in fact, improving.
§ Mr. MorleyCan the Parliamentary Secretary state what these efforts are? Could he be a little more specific in his answer?
§ Mr. PickthornThe efforts are, by endeavouring to get the maximum publicity for the needs of the training colleges, and endeavouring to see that they are full, or as nearly full as can be managed.