§ 12. Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many teachers as such are signing on at his Department's offices in Scotland; for how long they have been signing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BryanThe figure was 58 on 22nd June. Of these, 24 had been registered as unemployed for up to three months, six for up to six months, 15 for up to 12 months and 13 for more than 12 months.
§ Mr. HamiltonThe hon. Gentleman has presented to us amazing figures. Bearing in mind that in Lanarkshire there is a serious shortage of secondary teachers, will he or his right hon. Friend have talks with the Secretary of State for Scotland on the possibility of an incentive scheme to induce teachers to move from areas where they are obviously not required into areas where they are urgently required, in the interests of the teachers and of the children?
§ Mr. BryanI understand that the general picture in Scotland is one of satisfied demand for teachers in some areas and of a shortage in others, notably in South-West Scotland. Obviously, there will be areas where teachers may not be able to get the jobs they want but they may do so if they are prepared to move. I will convey the hon. Gentleman's remarks to my right hon. Friend.