HC Deb 10 March 1983 vol 38 c944
9. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a further statement on discussions about the development of teacher training in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Nicholas Scott)

I am not yet in a position to do so. The statement of 22 December on the future of teacher training provision promised discussions with the teacher training institutions on the intakes for 1983. When these discussions are completed I shall make a further statement.

Mr. Madel

With regard to the possible transfer of certain practical subjects from the colleges to the proposed new university institution, does my hon. Friend agree that compromise is possible and, if agreed, will continue the momentum towards greater co-operation in higher education throughout the Province?

Mr. Scott

We are still receiving comments about the proposals for the pattern of subjects and I shall clearly wish to consider those comments. There is a very low demand for specialist secondary school teachers in training in the coming decade and we must ensure that the courses provided are viable.

Mr. Christopher Price

Has the Minister read Bishop Daly's evidence to the Select Committee to the effect that he is very much more anxious than his predecessor for real co-operation between Stranmillis and the new Catholic college? In the light of that, should he not give a greater proportion of the teachers trained than the 31 per cent. already given to the Catholic colleges and Stranmillis, as they strongly believe that 40 per cent. is the right proportion?

Mr. Scott

We welcome Bishop Daly's comments. This helps to make up for the disappointment of not being able to put Stranmillis and the two Catholic colleges on the same site. Nevertheless, I believe that it would be a great mistake for teacher training institutions in Northern Ireland to become hooked on particular percentages. We must ensure, year by year, that the intakes to the various institutions reflect the need for teachers in the Northern Ireland education system.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

Accepting that there should be one and not two Catholic colleges, has my hon. Friend now satisfied representatives of the Catholic Church that in the future there will be enough Catholic teachers for Catholic schools?

Mr. Scott

I have no evidence that there is likely to be any shortage of suitably trained teachers in any section of the Northern Ireland education system.

Mr. Freeson

How do these considerations contribute to the ending of compulsory segregation in the school system? Should not some priority be given to that?

Mr. Scott

There is no compulsory segregation in education in Northern Ireland. Every school that is aided by Government funds is by law open to anyone of any religious denomination.