§ 19. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes taking to prevent the entry into the teaching profession of unsuitable candidates.
§ Mr. MaclayI see no reason to make any change in the present training and probation arrangements, which do everything practicable to ensure that unsuitable persons do not become eligible for permanent employment as certificated 183 teachers. It is for education authorities to satisfy themselves of the personal suitability of those they engage to teach in their schools whether permanently as certificated teachers or temporarily as uncertificated teachers.
§ Mr. BenceIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is rather a shock to me, coming as I do from the South and having been in Scotland for eight years, to hear so many Scottish people say that education is on the decline? Will he look into the recruitment of teachers in Scotland and satisfy himself that the full standards regarding the quality of teachers are being observed in order to maintain and, indeed, enhance Scotland's reputation for education?
§ Mr. MaclayI can assure the hon. Gentleman that everything is done that we can do to maintain the standards of teaching throughout Scotland.