§ 18. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Education what facilities at present exist to enable married women with responsibilities for children of school age to train themselves as teachers.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe eight day colleges, of which six have opened this year, have 1,700 places and are intended for older students, particularly married women. Married women can also take advantage of some 2,300 day places for women in the colleges which are primarily residential.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill the right hon. Gentleman see whether these facilities are available as widely as they could be? Is it not clear that the shortage of teachers is likely to last for a very long time? In the light of the figures he has given of over-sized classes, should we not tap the reservoirs which exist in many areas, where married women with young children would, if the facilities were available, be prepared to train as teachers. Will he expand these facilities?
§ Sir D. EcclesWe have begun by setting up these colleges in areas of most concentrated population. If they are a success, I hope that we shall be able to go further.