HC Deb 17 April 1958 vol 586 cc326-8
6. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the continuing anxiety amongst parents because large numbers of sixth-form girls have, as yet, failed to obtain admission to the teacher training colleges for the coming session 1958–59; and whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee of inquiry into this matter.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Yes, Sir; but the colleges still have several hundred places to fill. I see no need for a special committee.

Mr. Johnson

Does the Minister think or believe that the unofficial clearing house is doing an efficient job in this matter? I have found that many sixth-form teachers are in the dark about the future of their students. Would not it be a good thing if an official clearing house were in existence? We should then know what was happening and should be able to ask questions in the House about the figures to allay the anxieties of parents and careers teachers in sixth forms in our secondary schools.

Mr. Lloyd

I should not like to change this organisation without further thought, but I will certainly look into the matter to see whether anything further can be done to hasten notification.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is the Minister aware that some men students are finding difficulty in getting places when they apply to their second or third choice because the first choice is full and it is almost impossible for them to be accepted until a very late date?

9. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Education how many new training colleges have been opened in the past four years; and how many will be opened in 1958.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

None, Sir; but I have already decided to review the plans for the recruitment of teachers in consultation with the National Advisory Council on the Training and Supply of Teachers.

Dr. King

Is the Minister aware that the crying need of every local education authority is for more teachers and that he would make a signal mark as Minister of Education if at once he would start building some new training colleges to supply the teachers that are necessary?

Mr. Lloyd

Of course, we know the need for teachers and we know that last year the net increase was not as great as we had hoped for. It is primarily for that reason that I have referred the matter to the Council. I would prefer to get the Council's advice before acting, because, as the hon. Gentleman knows, there are many complicated features.

Mr. M. Stewart

Can the Minister say when he expects to get the Council's advice?

Mr. Lloyd

No, not today.

12. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Education his plans for increasing the accommodation at teacher training colleges, in view of the necessity to increase the numbers of trained teachers and thus reduce the size of classes.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I have just given the hon. Member for Itchen (Dr. King). I cannot say more than this today.

Mr. Johnson

Can the Minister tell us what colleges have approached him in this matter and why he is closing down, for example, Wynyard College in County Durham? Does not he realise that the bulge is getting bulgier and that we have now a series of bulges? Should not he start a campaign, "Operation Bulge", to cope with the increased numbers in six, eight or ten years' time?

Mr. Lloyd

I am aware of the problem of the little bulge that is now coming along. That is one of the matters which will be considered by the National Advisory Council. Regarding the particular college that the hon. Gentleman mentioned, I should like to make inquiries and let him know the result of them.