§ 13. Mr. D. Smithasked the Minister of Education if he has yet decided to implement the idea of short service commissions for teacher trainees; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir D. EcclesI have asked for the views of the National Advisory Council on this suggestion.
§ Mr. SmithWill my right hon. Friend be able to indicate before the Summer Recess what his decision will be on this subject? Will he also bear in mind the rumours which are now circulating that groups of teachers are planning to impose half-day attendances for younger children in the autumn if the staffing position does not improve?
§ Sir D. EcclesI cannot give a decision until I have had the recommendations of the National Advisory Council and considered them. I know that in many primary schools there are staffing difficulties, because this is the year of intermission when we are not getting a full output from the colleges.