§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teachers are unemployed in the county of Northumberland.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonIn March 1976, 34 unemployed school teachers, and three teachers seeking posts in further and higher education—including the universities—were recorded at employment offices in Northumberland.
§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether there is any shortage of teachers in any subjects in the county of Northumberland.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonI understand from the Northumberland education authority that it plans to maintain in 1976–77 the staffing ratios attained in 1975–76 and have filled or shortlisted applicants for all teaching posts due to fall vacant in its schools this September.622W It is not possible to answer the Question in the form in which it is asked because nationally there are no accepted staffing standards for particular subjects. The number of teacher vacancies is thus only a partial measure of shortage because it may reflect an historic rather than an ideal staffing complement.
§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps are being taken to retrain unemployed teachers in subjects where there are shortages of teachers.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerI have received a report of the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Training of Teachers on this subject and will shortly be consulting the local authority associations about its proposals.