§ 8. Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many staff are employed per 1,000 children in classes of 15-year-olds upwards on careers advice.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThere is no regular return of teachers employed within the various subject areas of the school curriculum and this information is, therefore, not available.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI much regret the Minister's answer. In view of the vital importance of extending careers opportunities, does not the Minister think that it is time that we collected the statistics and established specialised careers teaching posts, with exchanges with industry? Might not that help to solve some of the problems of youth unemployment?
§ Mr. ArmstrongI hope that the hon. Lady has not taken my reply as an indication that we minimise the importance of careers guidance in schools. We have an expanding careers guidance service involving a great number of teachers who may also undertake other duties. The Department gives every possible help.