HC Deb 15 June 1967 vol 748 cc756-7
16. Mr. Hastings

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the shortage of teachers, he will institute the award of a B.Ed. degree to serving teachers of sufficient experience and upon suitable recommendations from Her Majesty's inspectors of schools and from head teachers without their having to take a full-time course.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I hope that when the B.Ed. degree has been firmly established it will prove possible to provide opportunities for qualified teachers to take part-time as well as full-time courses leading to its award.

Mr. Hastings

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that encouraging reply, but does he realise that many teachers with 10 years' or more experience, and with distinctions on their teaching certificates are very concerned about this, and that there is a strong case for the degrees to be awarded, at least in part, on merit and experience?

Mr. Roberts

I agree with the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. There is a case for teachers' experience being taken into consideration in part when the time comes to plan the extent and duration of these courses for this class of people.

Mr. Hamling

Is my hon. Friend aware that many serving teachers find it very difficult to get permission to take a B.Ed. degree?

Mr. Roberts

That remains to be seen. The arrangements are not yet in train. I hope that when the time comes local authorities and others will make it possible for suitable students from this sphere to proceed to part-time or full-time study for the degree.