§ 17. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Education how many additional teachers will be required to eliminate oversize classes in maintained and assisted schools by 1970, for junior pupils and for senior pupils, respectively.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe National Advisory Council on the Training and Supply of Teachers has recently estimated that a total of 363,000 teachers will be needed in 1970 to eliminate oversize classes in primary and secondary schools compared with a total of about 274,000 employed at present. These figures cover only full-time qualified teachers and make no allowance for part-time or unqualified teachers. I hope that the hon. Member will await the report, which should be published this month, for full details.
§ Mr. WilleyI await that report with a good deal of apprehension. Is it not quite clear that the estimates made by the Minister's Department a couple of years ago are being revealed now as over-optimistic and that there is now a crisis? Is not the acute shortage of teachers facing us now a condemnation of the Government's policy, and ought we not to tackle the problem of teacher supply on an entirely new basis and have a crash programme to get the teachers we need at least by 1970?
§ Sir D. EcclesIt is a little unfair to condemn the Government for an increase in the birth rate.
Mrs. SlaterWill this estimate include reducing the size of primary school classes to 40 and secondary modern school classes to 30, or is any estimate being made to reduce even primary classes to below 40?
§ Sir D. EcclesNo; this estimate is based upon the present statutory limits.
§ Mr. WilleyThe present birthrate is known. Is the Minister aware that, on today's figures, the proportion of oversize classes is greater than it was before the war?
§ Sir D. EcclesAlso, there are over 2 million more children in the schools.