§ 8. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations have been made to him by parents respecting the shortage of teachers in Dunbartonshire; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. MaclayNo representations have been made to me recently. Responsibility for staffing schools in Dunbartonshire rests primarily with the education authority.
§ Mr. BenceIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that over the last six weeks there has been a considerable Press campaign against the Dunbartonshire Education Authority—I admit that some of the accusations which were levied have been withdrawn—and that this has caused a great deal of concern in the county generally about the situation there and the intense shortage of places and shortage of teachers? Will the right hon. Gentleman use all the power he has to increase the erection of school buildings and the recruitment of teachers in Dunbartonshire?
§ Mr. MaclayI am certainly aware of what has been stated in the Press recently. I should inform the hon. Member, although I think he may know it, that the local authority has appointed a special sub-committee to consider and take all measures to relieve the shortage since the time representations were made to it by parents and teachers.