HC Deb 18 April 1978 vol 948 cc236-7
7. Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the advice given in schools to pupils wishing to go to teacher training colleges, in view of the difficulties recently experienced by young teachers in obtaining jobs.

Miss Margaret Jackson

My Department circulates annually a new edition of its booklet "Careers in Teaching" to all careers teachers and careers officers in England and Wales. Recent editions have included advice about the effects of the reduced number of training places.

Mr. Wigley

Is the Minister aware of the possible serious effects that can come from the present wastage of teachers due to their unemployment? Is she aware, for instance, that there are 400 applicants for only 40 places in my county and that a large number of teachers were employed in job creation schemes last winter? Does she realise that this leads to many people in the sixth form who would otherwise have become teachers now withdrawing from doing this and that the number of those intending to go on to teacher training colleges is down to one-sixth of the previous figure obtaining in some schools? Does she realise that this will lead to a serious situation in two or three years' time? What is her reaction to it?

Miss Jackson

We are anxious that fewer pupils should go into teacher training. We have reduced the number of places. We are anxious, however, to maintain the standards of those who attend teacher training. Nevertheless, we have done what we can, as the hon. Gentleman will know, through the rate support grant settlement, to make more money available for teacher employment. We hope and believe that local authorities will use the money in this way.

Mr. Newens

Does my hon. Friend agree that future requirements for teaching staff should take into account the need to reduce the size of classes? Will she, therefore, reassure young people who are thinking of entering teaching that there is a worthwhile future ahead of them? Will she also press for the necessary public expenditure to be set aside in order to ensure that we can have smaller classes?

Miss Jackson

Yes, Sir.