§ 12. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Education what steps he is taking to encourage teachers to work for a few years in under-developed countries; and what advice he has given to local education authorities in order to preserve the place in the career structure of those who undertake this work.
§ Mr. ChatawayA code of secondment was worked out in consultation with 396 representatives of the local authorities and the teachers in 1960 and every authority has agreed to apply the code, with reservations on the part of one only. An interview fund has also been created to assist teachers to return to the United Kingdom by air for interview if they are short-listed for senior posts near the end of their service overseas. Details of these and other measures, including the establishment of a National Council for the Supply of Teachers Overseas, are given in two administrative documents, of which I am sending copies to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. PrenticeMay I welcome that reply? May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman's Department is following up the way in which local education authorities apply this and making sure that in practice the careers of teachers who spend two or three years in an underdeveloped country do not suffer upon their return, but that, if anything, they are to their credit?
§ Mr. ChatawayMy right hon. Friend's predecessor distributed leaflets about this to the appointing bodies and senior staffs, and my right hon. Friend is anxious to do all he can to ensure that the provisions then worked out are implemented.