HC Deb 06 July 1961 vol 643 c1641
28. Mr. Albu

asked the Minister of Education what proposals he has for increasing the number of teachers in technical colleges.

Mr. K. Thompson

Although some important vacancies remain unfilled, the total number of full-time teachers in technical colleges has increased from 11,400 in 1955 to 21,680 this year. This is over 3,000 more than the target recommended by the Special Committee set up in 1956. The National Advisory Council on the Training and Supply of Teachers has prepared a Report, which is to be published shortly, containing its estimate of needs for technical college teachers up to 1970. The Council is now reviewing problems of supply in the light of this Report.

Mr. Albu

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the figures in the Report show that the original figures were quite inadequate? Can he say when the Report will be published?

Mr. Thompson

The Report will be published when we have had time to consider what it contains and what steps may be called for. I hope that the hon. Member will wait until then to see what the figures reveal. They are very interesting.