§ 52. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many qualified and experienced teachers have now been dismissed and had notices of dismissal served upon them, respectively, for failure to register with the General Teaching Council, and for failing to reregister with the Council, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the resulting situation.
§ Mr. Millan23 teachers were dismissed but of these three were reinstated when they subsequently registered. Seven are under notice of dismissal but of these I understand six have now registered and their notices will be withdrawn. These cases all arose from failure to register in 1968–69. I understand that no teachers have been given notice of dismissal as a result of failure to register in 1969–70.
§ 56. Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many teachers, previously registered with the General Teaching Council, have not re-registered; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MillanAccording to the statement made by the General Teaching Council on 20th May, 43,029 teachers had registered for the year commencing on 1st April. This exceeds the number of teachers employed in the schools, the only sector where registration is a condition of employment. Last year's experience suggests, however, that the figure of 43,029 includes teachers who are not so employed and who were therefore under no obligation to register. Since it is not known how many teachers there may be in this group the Council's figures do not indicate how many teachers in the schools have renewed their registration for the current year and how many have neglected to do so. I am therefore making inquiries of the education authorities, whose responsibility it is to satisfy themselves that they are not employing teachers in contravention of the Schools (Scotland) Code, and I shall make a further statement later.
I am sure that the House will agree that it would be deplorable if, at this 86W stage, teachers persisted in declining to register with the Council. Not only would they be disqualifying themselves for employment, but they would create a prejudicial atmosphere for the review of the constitution and functions of the Council which, at the request of the interested bodies, I have put in hand.
§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many qualified teachers have so far been dismissed for failing to register with the General Teaching Council.
§ Mr. MillanI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne).