§ 1. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware that, despite the shortage of teachers, the services of married women who are qualified teachers are being refused in certain areas; and what steps he proposes to take to make use of these offers.
§ The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Michael Stewart)I am sure that local education authorities will do their best to offer employment to as many qualified married women teachers as they can. But I realise that the shortage is not uniformly spread, and there may not always be a suitable post for every applicant within convenient travelling distance, especially in country areas. My Department can best promote the return of married women teachers to the schools by publicity of the kind which it arranged earlier this year to support the efforts of the local education authorities.
§ Mr. DigbyWhile recognising that there are difficulties here, may I ask 1166 whether the right hon. Gentleman will do all he can to look at this question again? In view of the importance of the problem of teacher shortage in schools, this seems to be an awful waste.
§ Mr. StewartCertainly, Sir.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeWould the Minister bear in mind that one of the ways in which this might be assisted would be by greater provision of nursery classes for those specifically returning to teaching, as has recently been pioneered in Berkshire? Would the right hon. Gentleman encourage that from his Ministry?
§ Mr. StewartI will certainly look at it