HC Deb 25 June 1959 vol 607 cc1377-8
23. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education, in view of the continuing shortage of teachers and the need to reduce overcrowded classes, what further consideration is being given by his Department to proposals for the release of teachers now serving in the Armed Forces.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I am examining various possibilities, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, but I cannot say more today.

Mr. Swingler

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether, in view of the terribly urgent need to reduce the size of classes and the fact that it is already recognised that it is more important to keep certain graduate teachers in schools than to put them in the Army, the right hon. Gentleman will make the strongest efforts to stop the calling up of teachers and will try to get back to the schools teachers who are wasting their time in the Forces?

Mr. Lloyd

I am already considering the matter.

32. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Education the latest figures for the number of new teachers entering the profession this year, and for the wastage this year; and how these figures compare with those of the previous two years.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Since the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Dr. King

Is the Minister aware that we need 7,000 extra teachers each year if we are to cope, and that, while we would congratulate him on the crash programme, every educationist in the country is convinced that even the expanded training colleges programme, which will be eaten up by the three-year course, will leave us gravely in the lurch? Will he not take notice of the advice that he has received constantly, namely, that we need 16,000 extra places rather than 12,000, and will he take emergency steps to initiate a second crash programme?

Mr. Lloyd

I will take note of that point. I am looking into the question of a further measure of expansion.

Following is the Answer:

THE ESTIMATES FOR MAINTAINED AND ASSISTED SCHOOLS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
— 1956 1957 1958
Entry to the profession:
from training colleges 10,540 10,620 11,380
from universities including university departments of education 4,450 4,460 4,900
from other sources 2,160 2,470 2,520
Total 17,150 17,550 18,800
Loss to the profession:
through death and breakdown 870 830 870
through retirement on account of age 2,390 3,060 3,930
through domestic and other reasons 6,890 9,360 8,600
Total 10,150 13,250 13,400

It is not yet possible to give estimates for 1959.