36. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the nature of the work being carried out by uncertificated teachers whose appointments have been disapproved by reference panels but who are nevertheless retained in the employment of local education authorities.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Bruce Millan)The majority are, I understand, engage in non-teaching duties as instructors, supervisors, librarians or teaching auxiliaries.
Mr. TaylorI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Would he agree that at this difficult time in Scottish education it would be a very bad thing, in gaining the confidence of the teachers, if those who were unregistered, uncertificated and not approved by reference panels were in charge of children in classrooms? Does that happen and, if so, can he give an idea of the extent?
§ Mr. MillanThose disqualified by reference panels are not permitted to take 1617 up teaching duties. Some complaint has been made about certain developments in Lanarkshire. I am looking into them very closely.
§ Mr. DalyellMay we know precisely the definition of an "instructor" in this context?
§ Mr. MillanIt is difficult to give a brief definition, but perhaps I could define the word in this way. The work of an instructor must be regarded as supplementary or ancillary to the work of a registered teacher, and training for it must not be of the sort normally given in a college of education.