HC Deb 16 December 1965 vol 722 cc1437-8
13. Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary for Education and Science what steps he is taking to encourage mature adults to enter the teaching profession; and what facilities and grants are provided, particularly where such recruits have a family.

Mr. Crosland

I am seeking to encourage mature students to enter teaching in the various ways described in my reply on 9th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Durham, North-West (Mr. Armstrong). The grants provided cover dependants, and there is also a special additional grant where the previous income was substantial.

Mr. Bishop

Does my right hon. Friend consider it possible to have more day training colleges, which would enable more mature students to get initial training, with benefit to the State and possibly to themselves?

Mr. Crosland

We are already planning to introduce three new day training colleges in 1966 and we are negotiating actively for another. As I pointed out last week to my hon. Friend the Member for Durham, North-West, the fact that a large number of "outposts" have been set up to existing colleges of education helps them to fulfil some part of the function of some large colleges.