HC Deb 19 November 1969 vol 791 cc1303-4
26. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many qualified and experienced teachers have to date been dismissed and been sent notices of dismissal, respectively, for failure to register with the General Teaching Council since 1st April, 1969; what steps he has taken to recruit additional teachers to replace those who have been or may be dismissed for this reason; and what estimate he has made of the total cost to public funds of such recruitment.

Mr. Milan

To date, one teacher has been dismissed. He registered immediately after dismissal and has been reinstated. A further 96 are under notice of dismissal, but I understand that those who register before their period of notice expires will be retained in service. As to the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 14th October.—[Vol. 788, c. 71–2.]

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Is the hon. Gentleman hoping eventually to arrive at a balance in which the number of qualified and experienced teachers sacked from schools equals the number of unqualified teachers who are retained? Is he aware that the S.S.T.A. is now reconsidering its attitude towards the General Teaching Council? Should he not do likewise?

Mr. Millan

I should be delighted if the number of teachers dismissed would equal the number of unqualified retained, since up to now nobody has been dismissed.