HC Deb 03 March 1966 vol 725 cc1464-5
19. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he is taking to stimulate the recruitment of qualified teachers who have migrated to this country from India, Pakistan, and the West Indies.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Denis Howell)

Qualified teachers from these and other countries who can serve effectively in our schools are already welcomed by local education authorities. But others whose academic qualifications entitle them to qualified teacher status may nevertheless be unsuited for employment in the schools because their command of spoken English is inadequate and they are unfamiliar with our teaching methods. To help them overcome these handicaps, my right hon. Friend has arranged for special full-time courses to be provided in certain areas this year, and he proposes to extend this scheme if it proves successful.

Mr. Goodhart

Is the Minister aware that many local authorities will hope that this scheme is extended, because a certain number of authorities have access to the scheme which appears to be working well but others have not? It would be well if it were extended.

Mr. Howell

I entirely agree with those considerations. Apart from one at Bradford which is going well, two more should be started this year, one in London and one in Birmingham and a further one in Nottingham is contemplated.

Mrs. Renée Short

Is my hon. Friend aware that one has started in my constituency at the teachers' day training college?

Mr. Howell

I am grateful for that information which I knew but which had escaped me at the moment.