§ Mr Reidasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many students are currently training as community education workers at the Scottish colleges of education.
§ Mr. William RossThere are no courses at Scottish colleges of education recognised as training studens specifically as community education workers, but 328 students are currently following courses leading to the diploma or the certificate in youth and community service. That service is the major constituent of the community education service in those areas where a community education service has been established.
§ Mr. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of vacancies for full-time community education staff in Scotland in August 1974, August 1975 and February 1976: and what estimate he makes of the likely vacancies in August 1976.
§ Mr. William RossAccording to information provided by education authorities and voluntary bodies the numbers of established but unfilled posts for full time youth and community service staff—and community education service staff in areas where such a service had been established—at 31st August 1974 and 31st August 1975 were respectively 162 and 188. I do not have comparable information for February 1976. The number of posts to be filled in August 1976 will depend on decisions taken by employing bodies between now and that date.