§ Mr. Peter Mahonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware that due to the inadequacy of basic pay scales, particularly during early years in the profession, many students for the teaching profession are now resolved not to teach in this country, and that for every five teachers leaving colleges of education only one will continue to pursue a teaching career in the country responsible for their training; and what steps he now proposes to take.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThis is not correct. As I told the hon. Member for Hertfordshire, South-West (Mr. Longden) on 24th February, the latest available figures suggest that almost 20 per cent. of men and approximately 60 per cent. of women leave teaching service in maintained schools within five years of training. I have no evidence that a significant10W number emigrate. Many women, of course, leave the profession for domestic reasons.—[Vol. 741, c. 359.]