HC Deb 05 February 1980 vol 978 cc228-9
14. Mr. John MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what measures he is taking to improve the supply of teachers of science and mathematics in schools.

Mr. Macfarlane

Teacher training institutions have been asked to give these subjects a high priority, and the Government's training and retraining schemes continue as a valuable short-term measure.

Mr. MacKay

Will my hon. Friend consider a bonus grant system for those students who elect to study mathematics and science at universities or colleges?

Mr. Macfarlane

That is a suggestion that could come under the review that is taking place within my right hon. and learned Friend's discussions. A number of discussions on this important matter have taken place with both local authority and teachers' associations. We have had consultations with the CBI, as mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, North (Dr. Boyson),to discover whether those with mathematics or science degrees who retire early could be retrained and encouraged to teach these important subjects.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Will my hon. Friend accept that one of the ways to deal with the problem is to recognise that qualifications for teachers are rising and that over the next five years we should aim to pay all teachers more, even in preference to a reduction in the staff-pupil ratio?

Mr. Macfarlane

If that were possible it would be an ideal situation. It will have to be reviewed closely.

Mrs. Renée Short

Is the Minister seized of the urgent and pressing need to acquaint school pupils with the demands of new technology? Nothing is being done in our schools in that respect. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that he ought to ensure that enough scientists and technologists go into our schools to provide that information.

Mr. Macfarlane

This is an important subject, and I shall try to answer as quickly as I can. Through the Standing Conference on Schools Science and Technology, through the organisation of SATROs—that which the hon. Lady will know of—because of our determination to encourage closer links with industry and engineering in schools, because my right hon. and learned Friend has frequently referred to the importance of teaching craft, design and technology in schools at an early age, and from meetings that have been held with the CBI, the TUC and representatives of all the teacher associations, I believe that a number of important steps have been taken in recent months that will bear fruit in the future.