HC Deb 08 February 1962 vol 653 c607
31. Mr. J. Wells

asked the Minister of Education how many teachers' training colleges do not require mathematics at O level as an entry qualification.

The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)

A General Certificate of Education pass in mathematics is not normally required for entry to training, but four-fifths of the men and over half the women admitted to three-year courses possessed one in 1960.

Mr. Wells

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that sufficient emphasis is placed on mathematics as a basis for modern education?

Sir D. Eccles

We are short of mathematics teachers, but I assure my hon. Friend that the training colleges are now doing some excellent work to increase the numbers.