§ 20. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Education the number of temporary non-qualified teachers in maintained primary and secondary schools; and what was the corresponding figure for 1960.
§ Sir E. BoyleReturns from local education authorities show that there were 3,615 temporary teachers in maintained primary and secondary schools on 1st October, 1962. The corresponding figure for 1st October, 1960, was 3,098.
§ Mr. WilleyDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that these are disturbing figures. We recognise the difficulty of providing sufficient teachers, 1485 but none the less it is disturbing that these are pupils awaiting entry into college who are accepting the full responsibility of teachers. Will he consider this as a matter of policy and see what teaching and other responsibility these pupils are being required to undertake?
§ Sir E. BoyleYes. As the hon. Gentleman knows, an increase in temporary teachers was to be expected in 1962 as one of the ways in which the authorities could offset in part the loss of output from the training colleges this year. I am aware of the undertaking that was made, and indeed embodied in Circular 6/59, to review the conditions for the employment of temporary teachers not later than 1963. I intend to carry out such a review.