HC Deb 21 May 1963 vol 678 cc168-9
12. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what further proposals he has to encourage more teachers from this country to take teaching posts for a few years in those countries which are unable to meet their educational needs from their own resources.

Mr. Carr

In 1962, 270 teachers were recruited and we hope to do better this year. It is still difficult to attract the senior and experienced teachers who are especially in demand. I shall be consulting the National Council for the Supply of Teachers Overseas about further steps to improve recruiting.

Mr. Hall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a demand for thousands of teachers in these countries? Is he further aware that many teachers are reluctant to take short-term teaching posts overseas because of possible adverse effects on their careers in this country? What discussions is my right hon. Friend having with local education authorities and universities to see whether some scheme can be devised to that overseas service helps and does not damage their careers in this country?

Mr. Carr

I have the last point very much in mind, and one piece of work done by the National Council for the Supply of Teachers Overseas has been to draw up what I might call a code of secondment which, among other things, takes my hon. Friend's point into account. We shall certainly be pursuing this actively with the local authorities. With regard to the supply, I know that there is great need, and although I can do no more than hope, my hope is that last year's figure will be substantially succeeded.

Mr. Paget

How does the right hon. Gentleman fit this in with the difficulty that there is an enormous shortage of teachers here?

Mr. Carr

I think that the House must accept, and does accept, that this important matter of overseas aid demands some considerable self-denial in this country.

Mr. F. Harris

Of the 270 teachers referred to, does my right hon. Friend know how many of these might have gone to East Africa, where they are so vitally needed?

Mr. Carr

There is another Question about East Africa. I am afraid that I cannot give my hon. Friend that figure straight away, but I shall certainly write to him.