HC Deb 24 April 1956 vol 551 cc1611-2
44. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Labour to give an estimate of the numbers of those science teachers who are now undergoing National Service.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The number of graduates in mathematics and science who have taken a teacher-training course and who are now doing their National Service is about 360.

Mr. Johnson

As it is now the policy of the Government to defer many science teachers, is it not a farce, and unfair, to keep in the Services science teachers who have already been called up? Would it not be better to release those who are now serving the last few months of their National Service?

Mr. Macleod

I do not think there are any science teachers in the ordinary sense of the word in the Forces, because people are called up before they begin teaching. We have made very important exemptions in this field since 1st January, 1956. At present I cannot go beyond that.

Mr. Lee

Of the numbers who are actually in the Services, how many are in occupations there in which they can use their abilities? Will the Minister keep closely in touch with the Service Departments in order to make use of those abilities?

Mr. Macleod

I do not think that I have the exact figure to cover the hon. Gentleman's question. The number of the exceptional arrangements to which I have referred is this year about one hundred.