HC Deb 13 January 1971 vol 809 c51
22. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the shortage of teachers in technical subjects in the county of Lanark that will result from the raising of the school-leaving age in 1972.

Mr. Edward Taylor

It is not possible for my right hon. Friend to make such estimates since he cannot predict the relative success of particular authorities in recruiting additional teachers. He is, however, asking the Education Authority to let the hon. Member have such information as it has about the demand for additional teachers of technical subjects.

Mr. Hamilton

Will the Under-Secretary of State not recognise that at present Lanarkshire is short of about 30 technical teachers? Is he aware that some of the pupils in some areas are not taking 0-level examinations and higher certificates because of the shortage of teachers? Will he also recognise that by 1972 there will be greater emphasis on technical education? Although it is partly a matter for the local authorities, does he not think that it is time that the Government made their own plans?

Mr. Taylor

I was made fully aware by Lanarkshire authority during my recent visit of the severe problems in this respect. This is one of the reasons that we are making every endeavour to ensure a fairer distribution of teachers throughout Scotland.