HC Deb 06 December 1962 vol 668 c1470
3. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education how many posts in colleges of advanced technology remain unfilled; in what subjects the vacancies occur; and what new steps have been taken to fill these posts.

Sir E. Boyle

There are now 1,856 teachers in post and 188 vacancies as compared with 1,671 in post and 215 vacancies last February. Of the unfilled posts 94 are in engineering, 48 in mathematics and science and 46 in other subjects. The colleges are continuing to use all possible methods of recruiting new staff, including the appointment of part-time lecturers from industry.

Mr. Boyden

What recent steps has the right hon. Gentleman taken both to encourage industry to release technologists and scientists part-time, and also to persuade them to second on short full-time loan this category of teacher?

Sir E. Boyle

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that question, and I will communicate with him. I would say that over half the vacancies I have mentioned are in the higher grades of principal lecturer and above. I think that this deficiency to some extent reflects the high standards which the C.A.T.s must set in making appointments and the overall demand for people of this calibre.