§ Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what his intentions are about the future of the reference panel system for the appointment of unqualified teachers in secondary and special schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI have informed education authorities that, because of the improvement in the staffing of secondary schools that is expected in session 1972–73, I have decided that, with effect from 1st August next, the temporary employment of unqualified teachers should no longer be permitted in these schools. I shall lay the necessary amending regulations before the House in due course.
So far as special schools are concerned, the panel system will continue until the date on which it is scheduled to lapse, namely, 31st July, 1973.