HC Deb 22 December 1983 vol 51 cc325-6W
Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what are his target levels for the numbers of teachers of (a) mathematics, (b) computer studies, (c) physics, (d) chemistry, (e) biology, (f) French, (g) German, (h) Spanish, (i) Italian, (j) Russian, (k) classics, (l) music, (m)craft, (n) visual fine art. (o) design technology and (p) drama in secondary schools for the year 1990; and what levels of teacher training colleges' intake he considers necessary to achieve these targets;

(2) what are his target levels for the number of teachers of (a) mathematics, (b) computer studies, (c) general science, (d) music, (e) foreign languages, f arts and crafts, (g) drama and (h) remedial subjects in primary schools for the year 1990; and what levels of teacher training college intake he considers necessary to achieve these targets;

(3) what are his target levels for the numbers of (a) primary and (b) secondary teachers for the year 1990; and what level of teacher training college intake he considers necessary to achieve these targets;

(4) what are his target levels for the numbers of teachers for the years 1995 and 2000; and what level of teacher training college intake he considers necessary to achieve these targets.

Mr. Dunn

The Government have not set targets either in total or by subject for the numbers of teachers to be employed by local education authorities in the years 1990, 1995 and 2000. Experience suggests that uncertainties relating to demography, to changes in education policy, and to the levels of public expenditure are so great as to render such targets unreliable for planning purposes.

Target intakes to initial teacher training in England and Wales in 1983, 1984 and 1985 were set out in the White Paper "Teaching Quality" published earlier this year. The Government have invited the advisory committee on the supply and education of teachers to review the balance between the demand for, and supply of, new teachers and to advise on intakes to initial teacher training in 1986 and subsequent years; this review is likely to include some consideration of the balance of demand for new teachers in different subjects of the school curriculum as well as total numbers. The committee is expected to complete its advice around the end of 1984.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will estimate the percentage of time spent by teachers actually teaching.

Mr. Dunn

It is estimated that primary school teachers are engaged in the teaching of classes for about 90 per cent. of the school timetable on average, and secondary school teachers for about 80 per cent.