§ Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received for an early review of the General Teaching Council; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossI have received representations for an early review from the three main teachers' associations, and the local authority associations have indicated that such a review would be acceptable to them.
In these circumstances, I now propose to put in hand a review of the constitution and functions of the Council and I shall shortly be inviting the interests concerned to let me have their considered views on these matters and any specific proposals for change that they wish to make. The review will necessarily occupy some time. I am therefore proposing, subject to consultation with the Council, the interests represented on it and the three main teachers' associations, to exercise my powers under paragraph 6(1) of Schedule 1 to the Teaching Council (Scotland) Act, 1965, to extend the period of office of the present Council by six months, so that any change in the constitution of the Council resulting from the review may be made before the start of the procedure for the election of teacher-members to the next Council.