HC Deb 29 October 1957 vol 575 cc11-2
26. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further consideration he has given to the recommendation of the Special Committee on the Supply of Teachers in Scotland that all men preparing for or trained for teaching be indefinitely deferred forthwith from National Service; and if he will arrange for this course to be adopted.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Following this recommendation, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service announced on 2nd July that indefinite deferment of National Service would be extended forthwith to all teachers with first- or second-class honours degrees. In view of the continued need of the Forces for men with good educational qualifications, it is not at present possible to extend deferment to other men entering teaching, but the position is being kept under review.

Mr. Rankin

Are we, then, to understand that teachers are to be conscripted into the Armed Forces for teaching purposes? If so, what did Governments do in the days when recruitment had to be on a voluntary basis? How did they get teachers then? Is it not the case that the Secretary of State appointed this Committee to advise him on what to do about teacher shortage? Now, it seems that he intends to ignore a major recommendation of the Committee.

Mr. Macpherson

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would address the question of the need for teachers in the Armed Forces to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence, but it is well known that there is need in the Forces for people with degrees——

Mr. Rankin

So we conscript them.

Mr. Macpherson

In reply to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, we have three recommendations at present under consideration. We have already gone some distance to meeting the Council's recommendations, and have vastly increased publicity, which was another of the recommendations.

Mr. Rankin

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.