§ 23. Mr. William Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ask the General Teaching Council to hold an inquiry into the methods of teaching and training, and students' facilities, at teacher training colleges.
§ Mr. MonroThe council is already undertaking an inquiry into the training of teachers for work in the secondary schools. My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to ask it to extend the scope of that inquiry.
§ Mr. HannanDoes the hon. Gentleman accept that Scotland has a more highly developed system for the education and training of teachers than have England and Wales? Since the James Report applies only to England and Wales, will not the hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter and appoint a comparable committee to inquire into the education and training of teachers in Scotland?
§ Mr. MonroI appreciate what the hon. Gentleman is saying, but I think it would be wise to study the report which will be published in the early summer and also to give careful consideration to the James Report, as my Department is now doing, bearing in mind that teacher training in England and Wales differs widely from that in Scotland.