HC Deb 09 December 1954 vol 535 cc1108-9
41. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Education what steps he proposes to take to increase the supply of teachers.

Sir D. Eccles

The net increase in the number of teachers was 5,600 in 1952 and 6,100 in 1953. The increase this year is expected to be as large as last year's. As I said in my answers to the hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Morley) on 18th November, the training colleges were substantially filled this autumn.

Mr. Stewart

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that figures given by his predecessor show that it will be necessary to double the intake of the teaching profession during the next few years if we are to make any substantial reduction in the size of classes?

Sir D. Eccles

I think that if we continue to have net increases of 6,000, or rather more, we shall be doing pretty well.