HC Deb 29 April 1954 vol 526 cc1779-80
38 Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Education the total annual wastage from the teaching profession; and what steps she is taking to check this loss.

Miss Horsbrugh

Net wastage in 1953 was 8,100, a figure that was much more than made good by the 13,500 new entrants to the profession. As a result of later retirements and a greater number of married women remaining in and returning to the profession, the wastage figure is below earlier estimates.

Mr. Johnson

Does the Minister not agree that perhaps one of the best possibilities is that of getting women teachers who have been married to come back into the profession? Will she consider making a special appeal to them, even perhaps making an appeal to them herself over the B.B.C.?

Miss Horsbrugh

Appeals have been made, not necessarily over the B.B.C.. but at various meetings. The result has been extraordinarily good and we are grateful to those married women who have come back.