HC Deb 09 December 1986 vol 107 cc101-2W
Mr. Thurnham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the current availability of teachers in science and related subjects.

Mrs. Rumbold

Vacancies for teachers of science, mathematics and technology have risen recently though they still represent a low proportion of total posts. Many teachers have their main qualification in other subjects. The Government is backing a range of measures to improve supply including the introduction of a £1,200 tax free bursary scheme for entrants to initial teacher training courses in the shortage subjects, the allocation of £16.5 million in 1987–88 to support related in-service training and the formation of a national unit to publicise teaching as a career.