HC Deb 13 July 1972 vol 840 cc1826-7
11. Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will seek powers to establish the right of every teacher to be seconded for one year, on full salary and without loss of status, to an approved full-time educational course at least once in his/her career, but not before 10 years' service is completed.

Mr. van Straubenzee

In-service education and training is one of the matters being covered by the present consultations on the James Report.

Mr. Chapman

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the proposal contained in the Question is a sort of halfway point between the existing position and what the teachers would like as expressed in the resolution passed at the last conference of the ATTI. Will he consider this point because it seems to many on both sides of the House that in view of the increasing sophistication of teaching techniques and materials it would be good for teachers at least once in their working lifetime to have these refresher courses?

Mr. van Straubenzee

I undertake to consider this and all the other suggestions relating to this aspect of the James recommendations. It was this aspect of the recommendations which probably achieved the maximum of general support.

Mr. Dalyell

Are Ministers in favour in principle of sabbatical years for teachers?

Mr. van Straubenzee

Ministers are certainly interested in anything which improves the quality of the training of one of the most important professions in the country.