HC Deb 28 June 1967 vol 749 cc491-2
13. Mr. Hugh D. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many children are receiving part-time education; which authorities are involved; and how many children, primary and secondary, in such authorities' areas are affected.

Mr. Ross

At mid-June 3,189 children: 1,949 primary and 228 secondary pupils in Glasgow, 819 secondary pupils in Dunbartonshire and 193 secondary pupils in Renfrewshire.

Mr. Brown

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that, even though the information reveals a serious position in Glasgow, it does not set out the whole story in that uncertificated teachers are finding themselves in greater proportion to the total staff in unpopular areas? Is there not need for a serious examination of the factual situation in relation to the comparative overstaffing in some schools in other areas so that we may know the true position?

Mr. Ross

Of course we could look at the whole question of the distribution of teachers not just in Scotland as a whole but within areas of Glasgow itself. I agree that this information gives no indication of the real shortage of certificated teachers but this matter is already being looked at, as my hon. Friend knows.

Mr. Brewis

Would it not be much better to try and get teachers to settle in these difficult areas by implementing the Roberts Report rather than playing around by giving travel allowances to cover distances?

Mr. Ross

I remind the hon. Gentleman that travel allowances were part of the Roberts Report.