HC Deb 16 May 1956 vol 552 cc2006-7
54. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Defence if he will take special measures to draw to the attention of serving officers nearing the end of their service the possibilities of training for science teaching.

The Minister of Defence (Sir Walter Monckton)

All Regular officers are given, shortly before they retire, a copy of a pamphlet dealing with resettlement in civilian employment which includes a short statement about opportunities in the teaching profession. More detailed information was also given in a recent issue of the Services Resettlement Bulletin, which is available to all serving officers and other ranks, and refers particularly to the teaching of science and mathematics. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Mr. Callaghan

As the Minister of Defence knows, this is the second time that I have had a dusty answer to this question. The first was from the Minister of Education. When are the Government going to wake up and realise that the shortage of science teachers is crippling our advance in industrial economy?

Sir W. Monckton

I am well aware of the necessity of getting more science teachers, if we can get them. I thought that the proper way of drawing the attention of serving officers to this matter was by putting it in the Services Resettlement Bulletin. If, after he has looked at it, the hon. Gentleman thinks that the information ought to go in again, I will consider that.

Mr. Callaghan

I have looked at that.