§ 37. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education what steps are being taken to recruit a larger number of women teachers in science and mathematics.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Sir Edward Boyle)More than 40 per cent. of women science graduates already enter the teaching profession. The number of girls taking science subjects at the Advanced level of the General Certificate of Education has increased rapidly in the last few years, and this, coupled with the expansion of the universities, should yield more science teachers. So far as non-graduates are concerned, more courses in science subjects are being provided in the teacher training colleges, and my Department's programme of supplementary courses is being expanded.
§ Mr. FletcherTo encourage many more women to take up science and mathematics, will not the Minister consider the 1293 desirability in the next few years of recruiting women teachers on a temporary basis, if necessary, to help to ease the existing shortage of teachers in these subjects?
§ Sir E. BoyleOf course, my noble Friend will consider what the hon. Member suggests. Perhaps I might point out that seven additional supplementary three-year courses, open to men and women non-graduates, will be run this year.