HC Deb 09 April 1964 vol 692 cc1187-8
24. Mr. Boyden

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications have been received by the Clearing House for Training College places; how many students have now been provisionally accepted by the training colleges; and how many places remain to be filled.

Mr. Hogg

Up to 1st April just over 31,000 applicants had registered with the Clearing House. This figure takes no account of subsequent withdrawals, and will include applicants who are un- qualified or otherwise unsuitable for entry. By 1st March some 20,800 applicants had been offered places. It is too early to say how many students will finally be admitted, but the colleges estimate at present that the figure will be about 23,750.

Mr. Boyden

In spite of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's qualification of the first figure do not the figures reveal that a considerable number of suitable candidates will not get places? Could he, for a change, offer us some hope that he will take emergency measures to deal with this year's crop of students who have not got places by the end of August?

Mr. Hogg

It is early days to anticipate this year. Last year the final total figure was 31,500. About 6,400 candidates withdrew and 1,500 were either unqualified or unsuitable. Of the remaining 2,600, 290 were classified as acceptable and the remainder as borderline. The position this year is likely to be better.

Mr. G. Thomas

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that it is very ironic that whilst he is campaigning for a greater supply of recruits to the teaching profession, last year many who had two A-levels were turned away, and it is quite clear that already this year able recruits will not have places unless he takes emergency measures.

Mr. Hogg

The hon. Gentleman should also stress that only two years ago the colleges admitted 17,250. This year, if the estimate is right, the figure will be 23,750, which shows a very remarkable increase.

Mr. Boyden

Does not the Minister realise that many of those borderline candidates are suitable people for admission if they are encouraged properly and the proper arrangements are made? Will he do something about that?

Mr. Hogg

My last answer shows that that is exactly what is happening. If one takes the expected figure of 27,500 entries by 1968, this year's estimate shows that we are making very good progress.