HC Deb 02 April 1974 vol 871 cc1078-80
8. Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give attention to ways of alleviating the teacher shortage in South-East England, with particular reference to Essex.

The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Ernest Armstrong)

Obviously, the raising of the school leaving age this year, which has added 250,000 pupils to the school population, has created staffing difficulties in some areas. My right hon. Friend is looking to a continuing increase in the total supply of teachers and an equitable distribution of them throughout England and Wales.

Mr. Moonman

My hon. Friend knows that part-time education became a reality under the previous administration. Therefore, would it not be sensible to introduce a crash programme to study the whole question of allowances, housing support, and so on, with particular reference to Essex?

Mr. Armstrong

As my hon. Friend knows, the question of financial and economic difficulties of the teaching force in inner London and outer London is now being considered. We regard the matter as very urgent. I assure him that we shall tackle it as quickly as possible.

Mr. McCrindle

Echoing the point made by the hon. Member for Balisdon (Mr. Moonman), is the Minister satisfied with the degree of co-operation existing between local education authorities and housing authorities, particularly in those areas of outer London and the county of Essex where the cost of purchasing a house is so high?

Mr. Armstrong

Local education authorities are certainly giving attention to this very serious problem. Many teachers cannot afford either to find a deposit or to meet the mortgage repayments required for modern housing in the Greater London area.

Mr. Arnold Shaw

Does my hon. Friend agree that there has been a severe deterioration in teacher supply, particularly during the past three years, and that the situation is now reaching crisis point? Unless something is done, I shudder to think what the future of children in the metropolis will be. Will my hon. Friend consult the Secretary of State for Employment in an effort to ease the situation?

Mr. Armstrong

I assure my hon. Friend that we recognise the urgency and seriousness of the problem. My right hon. Friend has consulted the Secretary of State for Employment but we need time to get the right answer.

Mr. Raison

What plans does the hon. Gentleman have for getting schools in the South-East, including London, back to full-time working?

Mr. Armstrong

This matter is tied up with the problem of the London allowance and the resentment felt by many teachers at the very long delay in tackling the matter.