HC Deb 25 October 1956 vol 558 cc815-6
28. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education how many schools are at present unable to provide full-time education for their pupils on account of understaffing ; how many of these schools are situated in Staffordshire ; and what steps he is taking to help the local education authorities to provide proper facilities at these schools.

Sir D. Eccles

I know of two such schools, both in Staffordshire. I have just held a conference with representatives of the local education authorities and teachers at which the problem of the distribution of teachers was thoroughly explored. But I cannot make a statement yet.

Mr. Swingler

While I appreciate that fortunately this problem is on a very small scale, is it not terrible that it should occur at all, and does it not call for really urgent action? Is the Minister not aware that Staffordshire Education Authority has made most strenuous efforts to overcome the shortage of teachers? Nonetheless, the situation calls for some action on his part, and will he do something to restrain the better-off authorities from further recruitment until there is general higher distribution of teaching talent?

Sir D. Eccles

I am glad to say that the Staffordshire Authority has recruited 170 more full-time teachers as at 1st October this year compared with a year ago and the two schools are expected to be in full service on the 29th of this month. I quite agree that it would be a good thing if we could secure a better distribution, but that requires the good will of the better-off authorities, and I hope that we shall get it.

Mr. J. Dugdale

Is the Minister aware that when I accompanied the deputation from West Bromwich Education Committee to him recently we came away feeling that he simply was not aware of the gravity of the problem in the Midlands? Will he go further and see what the problem is, so that something may be done about it?

Sir D. Eccles

The right hon. Gentleman got a very wrong impression, I am afraid.

Miss Lee

Is not the Minister aware that he gives the impression that he is taking this issue much more calmly than are the parents in Staffordshire? Lack of teachers and the bad conditions of the schools are not new problems. May we take it that this is the junior angle of "Setting the people free"?

Sir D. Eccles

This certainly is not a new problem, but it has been getting much better in the last few years.

Miss Lee

Worse.