§ 14. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how the number of teachers employed at present by the Lanarkshire Education Authority, whose qualifications are classified as seriously below standard, compares with the number employed in October, 1961.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteDetailed information about individual uncertificated teachers is, obtained from education authorities once a year and the latest figures I have relate to October, 1961. I have however asked Lanarkshire education authority whether it can provide current figures without undue difficulty and I shall write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. LawsonDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is a disturbing thought that so many of our children in Scotland are at present being taught by teachers who are officially classified as seriously below standard? Does not the hon. Gentleman think that it might be better not to employ such teachers at all and not to send the children to school, rather than that they should be taught by teachers who may be doing them considerable harm? Will the Minister look into the whole question of getting rid of these teachers even if it means that the children will have to attend classes for only half the day?
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteWe appreciate that this is a serious problem, but on the point raised by the hon. Gentleman I think that this is a question for the judgment of individual head teachers. They must decide this question in the light of the circumstances in their schools and their knowledge of the performance of the teachers concerned.