HC Deb 21 July 1955 vol 544 cc556-7
39. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Education how many students wishing to enter teachers' training colleges in 1954 were unable to do so.

Sir D. Eccles

I have not got this information but the fact that there were a few hundred empty places in training colleges last year suggests that practically no suitable students were turned away.

Mr. Stewart

Does that not conflict with the picture drawn for us by the Prime Minister, near the opening of this Parliament, of large numbers wishing to get into training colleges but being unable to do so?

Sir D. Eccles

Not at all. That is true of the vacancies for next September, to which my right hon. Friend was referring.

Mr. Stewart

In view of that situation, will the Minister consider the necessity of making provision for more training college accommodation?

Sir D. Eccles

That is a rather difficult question. By the time we could increase the training college provision, we should have come to a different period in the size of the school rolls; and by, say, 1959–60 we should really be considering a three-year training course rather than increasing the numbers of teachers.

Miss Bacon

In view of the fact that many more secondary school teachers will be required over the next few years, and in view of the need to reduce the size of classes and of the fact that many influential organisations are urging a three-year, instead of a two-year, training course, will the Minister not reconsider this matter and see that more training colleges are provided?

Sir D. Eccles

I am, of course, always thinking about this matter, but there are many other advances that we desire to make. If the hon. Lady would let me explain the timetable to her, I think she would appreciate that it is really too late to make a big extra provision in training colleges.