HC Deb 22 June 1961 vol 642 c1665
19. Mr. Boyden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the shortage of well-qualified housemasters in the approved school service and their limited opportunities for promotion, he will arrange for suitable housemasters to attend professional courses on full pay and with course expenses provided.

Mr. Vosper

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has invited managers of approved schools to recommend suitable housemasters for secondment on full salary to attend courses which are being organised for or are open to them. Tuition fees and travelling expenses will be met from public funds.

Mr. Boyden

Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that they are to be on full pay as well? If they are, how many housemasters are likely to be involved in this scheme?

Mr. Vosper

Certainly they will be on full pay, and they will get their expenses and tuition fees in addition. I cannot give the number involved, but we are starting two additional courses, with the hope of a fourth, so the numbers will be fairly considerable.

Miss Bacon

Is not one of the reasons why there is difficulty in getting staff for approved schools that in most of the schools the staffs realise that they are working only for a local committee and not for a local authority, and that therefore there are no chances of promotion?

Mr. Vosper

That differs from my experience in visiting approved schools.