HC Deb 04 February 1960 vol 616 cc1202-4
17. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the estimate of the Crowther Committee that the number of additional teachers required to raise the school leaving age to 16 years was between 15,600 and 21,300; and if he will immediately take steps to increase the number of training college places still further.

Sir D. Eccles

I am considering the recommendations of the Crowther Report, including the supply and training of teachers, and hope to give the Government's views upon them soon.

Mr. Boyden

Does the Minister think that within his present programme he can train an additional 70,000 teachers for 1966?

Sir D. Eccles

No, Sir.

Mr. Boyden

Does that mean either that he is not going to accept 1966 as the date for raising the school leaving age to 16, or that he is to maintain the already overcrowded classes in schools?

Sir D. Eccles

The hon. Member is looking into the future. Perhaps he will wait until we have our debate.

18. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education if, in view of the overcrowding of classes and the small number of newly-trained teachers likely to be available in 1962, he will widen the field of teacher recruitment by increasing the number of training colleges with day training facilities and two-year courses for mature students; if he will institute short refresher courses for married women teachers who have left the profession but are considering returning to teaching; and if he will undertake a publicity campaign for recruiting these categories of teachers.

Sir D. Eccles

A good deal has been done already on the lines of these proposals and I am considering further action.

Mr. Boyden

Does the Minister intend to convene immediately the National Advisory Council on the Training and Supply of Teachers?

Sir D. Eccles

I have already done that.

Mrs. White

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what action he is taking to improve the terms and conditions of employment of married women particularly, so as to attract the large numbers needed? What publicity is he giving to the special course for mature students? I have recently visited a number of schools and found that very little is known about it.

Sir D. Eccles

On both points we are envisaging further action. I agree with the hon. Lady that we have to see how to get more of these married women back into the service. The trouble is that we do not know where a lot of them are.