HC Deb 28 July 1966 vol 732 c1888
41. Mr. Neave

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has yet come to a decision on the future of the National Advisory Council on the Training and Supply of Teachers; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Crosland

I cannot add at present to what I said on this subject during the debate on the Address on 25th April.

Mr. Neave

Will the right hon. Gentleman accelerate his decision on this point? Would not this be of great value to the reconstituted council in the long-term planning of education?

Mr. Crosland

I consider and reconsider this question a great deal. I have received far less detailed advice on what I ought to do than I thought I would receive. The hon. Member knows the difficulty—this is a very large body, consisting of well over 50 people, and it is doubtful whether a body quite so large is the right one to have responsibility for the crucial, central question of the supply and training of teachers. I should, nevertheless, like to find some answer to this very difficult problem of how best to consult.