HC Deb 01 February 1977 vol 925 cc97-8W
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assistance the Government have given to teachers in the United Kingdom, particularly in the field of physical education, to obtain teaching posts in foreign countries, both within the EEC and in other countries farther afield; and if she will make a statement on the numbers of teachers involved.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Proposals have been made in the Education Ministers' Resolution of 9th February 1976 to increase the mobility of teachers within the EEC. The United Kingdom Government are responsible for the appointment of teachers to the European schools, and they promote teacher exchanges and interchanges through the support of schemes administered by the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges and the League for the Exchange of Commonwealth Teachers. The British Council also arranges the recruitment of British teachers at the request of overseas countries. In the current financial year 342 British teachers are taking part in exchanges organised by the Central Bureau and the League including 99 in the EEC. 56 British teachers are currently in posts in the European schools. There are also some 740 teachers overseas who were recruited by the British Council. A very small number are concerned with physical education.