§ 5 and 11. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Education (1) whether he is aware that, while a slight increase is planned in the number of women students to be trained in physical education at general colleges, no such corresponding increase is envisaged at the specialists colleges of physical education; that, until further expansion is planned, it will be impossible to provide an adequate number of teachers to work in posts of senior responsibility in the country; and what plans he has for the further expansion of these specialist colleges of physical education;
(2) whether he is aware of widespread concern at the large number of girls' schools at present inadequately staffed by teachers of physical education; and if he will make a statement on the general position.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Sir Edward Boyle)My right hon. Friend is well aware of the serious shortage of specialist women teachers of physical education. His aim is to provide specialist training 530 facilities for all suitable women who can be recruited in the present circumstances, whether into the existing separate colleges of physical education or into the specialist wings of general colleges which are planned as part of the current expansion programme. The capacity of one of the specialist colleges of physical education is to be more than doubled. The supply of acceptable candidates has not justified further expansion, but my right hon. Friend will be very ready to entertain proposals for some increases at other colleges where it can be shown that candidates are forthcoming.
§ Miss BurtonArising out of both those Questions, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Physical Education Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is concerned at this and welcomes the wings of the general colleges coming into place in 1960, but not as replacement of the specialist colleges? Is the Parliamentary Secretary further aware that there is not a shortage of candidates, but that the Headmistresses' Association made a special pre-selection and that, in spite of that, sixty cannot be accepted until next September?
§ Sir E. BoyleThe measures we are now taking mean a 50 per cent. increase in the annual intake of specialist students of physical education. If the hon. Lady likes to make any further representations, I shall be very happy to receive them.
§ Miss BurtonIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware—I think I am correct—that at present 640 physical education posts in girls' schools are not filled?
§ Sir E. BoyleI cannot confirm that figure without notice, but I will look it up.