§ 17. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to set up a General Teachers' Council for England and Wales; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Edward ShortMy hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is undertaking at my request exploratory talks with the interested parties.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate how welcome that reply will be, since many hon. Members will feel that, unless and until the profession is organised in a self-disciplinary, self-governing professional body, it will not have the status it demands?
§ Mr. ShortI quite agree with the hon. Gentleman, and I am grateful for his support. This is why we have initiated these talks.