HC Deb 17 December 1969 vol 793 cc1340-1
32. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children were receiving part-time education at the most recent date for which figures are available; what percentage of this total was in Glasgow; and what were the comparable figures for the same date in each of the previous three years.

Mr. Ross

At end October, out of a total of about 926,000 pupils, the number on part-time education was 8,734, the majority of whom were losing less than one day per week. Twenty-eight per cent. of all the pupils affected were in Glasgow.

Exactly comparable figures for earlier years are not available, but the total number of pupils affected were 2,536 in October, 1966, 3,612 in October, 1967, and 2,383 in September, 1968.

Mr. Taylor

Is it the case that the number of children affected appears to have increased substantially this year compared with previous years? Will the Secretary of State see that in future we get rid of the scourge of part-time education in schools?

Mr. Ross

The hon. Gentleman should appreciate that we are working towards this end. We have recruited a greater number of teachers than ever before. Since 1964–65 the number has gone up by 3,500, and the entry of students to colleges of education is at a record level.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

While recognising the efforts made by the Government, and in particular the substantial incentive payments for teachers to teach in areas of acute shortage, may I ask my right hon. Friend to use his considerable powers of persuasion to encourage local authorities which are well staffed to operate a fairer system than they are now doing?

Mr. Ross

My hon. Friend should realise that we have been doing this over a considerable period and we are getting a certain measure of generous co-operation.

Mr. MacArthur

For how long will the right hon. Gentleman accept this totally unacceptable and worsening position? What further steps does he propose to improve staffing in these schools?

Mr. Ross

The only way to improve staffing is to get more teachers. We have 3,500 more teachers than we had in 1964. We are recruiting teachers to the profession, and entry to the colleges of education is at a record level.