HC Deb 22 July 1964 vol 699 cc476-7
32. Mr. Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many uncertificated teachers are employed in grant-aided schools; and how many of these are classified as having qualifications seriously below standard.

Lady Tweedsmuir

At 7th October, 1963, the numbers were 82 and 11.

Mr. Lawson

Is it not astonishing that even in those schools teachers are employed who are officially classified as having qualifications seriously below standard? Will the noble Lady concentrate her attention on this matter and see that at least this type of teacher is eliminated from our education system?

Lady Tweedsmuir

I referred to this matter in great detail during our education debate. Some of the teachers to whom the hon. Member refers are not necessarily incompetent to teach, but we certainly do all that we can to try to persuade them to become certificated.

Mr. Lawson

The hon. Lady tells us that they are not incompetent to teach. Can she tell us why they are officially classified as being seriously below standard?

Lady Tweedsmuir

Of the 11 substandard uncertificated teachers to whom I referred, one is an assistant games mistress and one is a teacher in a nursery class. There are 10 of these teachers in grant-aided schools. Eight are in one school—a Roman Catholic school—and all eight are brothers.