§ 20. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Association of Head Masters of Senior Secondary Schools dealing with the shortage of fully qualified 1533 teachers of mathematics and science, particularly in Glasgow; and what proposals he has to make on the matter.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartI have received a copy of the Association's Report, which was published in the Press on 15th November, and I have arranged to discuss it with representatives of the Association. I am meeting them, I hope quite soon. A number of steps, including the recent increases in salaries, have already been taken to overcome or mitigate the shortage, and my right hon. Friend is considering what further action may be possible.
§ Mr. RankinWhen the Joint Under-Secretary of State discusses the matter, will he remember that between this year and 1961, 9,000 pupils will enter secondary schools in the city of Glasgow, that there will be insufficient teachers and that the result will probably be that teachers will be withdrawn from the junior secondary schools to staff the senior secondary schools to meet the increased number of pupils? Would he consider urging on local authorities the need to appoint an administrative assistant in each secondary school so that the headmaster can be relieved of much of his administrative work and be free to undertake part of the teaching?
§ Mr. StewartI am obliged to the hon. Gentleman. We will look at that idea.
§ Mr. WoodburnWould the hon. Gentleman again refer to Questions Nos. 17 and 18 and consider making those experiments in Glasgow in order to make the best use of the science and mathematics teachers available?
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. My Question refers to a shortage of teachers and not to a shortage of mechanical aids.