§ 63. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Education if he will state the number of teaching posts, in schools for which he is responsible, which have been advertised in the usual way and for which there have been no applicants; and what steps are being taken to increase the number of mathematics, physics and chemistry mistresses.
§ Sir D. EcclesI cannot give the hon. Member the precise figures for which he asks but I know that the shortage of women teachers in the subjects named is serious. Last year the maintained secondary schools recruited 500 women graduates in mathematics and science compared with 350 in 1955. The number of students studying these subjects in training colleges is now 1,200 compared 55W with 900 two years ago. As part of a campaign that I am preparing to attract more teachers into the schools, special attention will be paid to this shortage.
§ Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Education what additional measures he is proposing, following his conference on 5th July, to increase the supply of teachers for 1962.
§ Sir D. EcclesIn 1962–63 the main shortage of teachers is likely to be in the primary schools. I am proposing to undertake a national recruitment campaign to attract married women teachers back to the schools, and to modify the quota scheme to make this easier; to encourage the movement of teachers from secondary to primary schools; and to appeal to teachers who are due to retire to give a little extra service to help the schools over this difficult year. At the conference, teachers and the local education authorities gave strong support for measures on these lines.