HC Deb 28 July 1955 vol 544 cc1319-20
1. Mr. Moss

asked the Minister of Education whether he will now make a statement on the timing of the introduction of a three-year course for students in training colleges for teachers in view of the strong support for such a course existing among educationists, and in view of the desirability that children should not be deprived of the advantage of being taught by teachers of improved quality.

The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)

No, Sir. But I have asked the National Advisory Council on the Training and Supply of Teachers to advise me on a number of factors which will have to be considered before I reach any decision on this matter.

Mr. Moss

Is the Minister aware that Sir Frederick Mander has suggested that the introduction of the three-year course should be synchronised with the reduction in the size of classes, and that Dr. Jeffery thinks that the three-year course should be a reality in progress of establishment by 1960? Should not the right hon. Gentleman have a considered plan?

Sir D. Eccles

There are many eminent gentlemen who believe that a three-year course would be a good thing, and naturally one agrees with them; but there are also a number of practical considerations, and on those I am of the opinion that the best thing I can do is to get the advice of my Council. When I have got that, I will see what we can do.