§ 9. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Education which training college projects, planned to be completed by September, 1961, are likely now to be delayed; and for what reasons.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe first phase of the training college expansion programme was planned for completion in September, 1962, and I am advised that 12,000 new places should be ready on time.
§ Mr. BoydenMay I encourage the Minister to expand the programme a little more in the future?
§ Sir D. EcclesWe have another 12,000 places planned to come in after September, 1962. It will be a great strain to get them in, but I hope for the best.
§ 10. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Education how many men and women students, respectively, seeking places in training colleges have not yet been accepted; and how many vacancies still exist.
§ Sir D. EcclesRecruitment for next session is not yet completed. By the beginning of April, about 2,000 men and 3,500 women applicants with at least the minimum academic qualifications had not so far been accepted, and there were still vacancies for about 650 men and 900 women.
§ Mr. BoydenDoes not this mean that there is still more need for training college places every year? Cannot the Minister take emergency steps to increase the number of places?
§ Sir D. EcclesIt is very gratifying that so many candidates are coming forward, but it is essential also to raise the quality of the profession, and this can be done only if there is some measure of selection.
§ Mr. ChetwyndHow is the central clearing house working to deal with this vexed problem?
§ Sir D. EcclesI think it is working well. Places have already been offered to 4,350 men and 11,000 women.