HC Deb 22 November 1972 vol 846 cc1282-3
22. Mr. Brewis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases have been investigated by the General Teaching Council's Disciplinary Committee; and how many teachers have, as a result, been removed from the register.

Mr. Monro

I am informed by the council that the figures are seven and two, respectively.

Mr. Brewis

Do not the figures show that the committee is by no means the Star Chamber it was forecast to be? Will the Minister, in consultation with the teachers' organisations, consider whether its remit can be extended, for example to cover cases of professional incompetence?

Mr. Monro

I take my hon. Friend's first point. It is of interest that the figures I gave are exactly comparable to those of the four previous years when the Secretary of State was responsible for these matters. My hon. Friend will know that the Act covering this matter does not allow the GTC to go beyond infamous professional conduct or criminal conviction.