HC Deb 15 July 1986 vol 101 cc451-2W
Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will initiate discussions with employers' organisations with a view to them releasing mathematics and physics graduates from industry to teach these subjects in schools; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

The Department published a consultative document on 9 July seeking the co-operation of all with an interest in improving the supply of teachers

United Kingdom imports of cement (COO) 1981 to 1985
Quantity thousand metric tonnes
1981 1982 1983 1984 1985
Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity
France 6.5 2.1 2.0 11.4 39.8
Belgium/Luxembourg 7.8 14.2 14.2 10.9 4.4
Netherlands 29.9 26.6 131.8 137.9 110.5
Federal Republic of Germany 13.7 48.6 114.3 114.2 72.5
Irish Republic 129.3 168.0 86.8 73.2 211.3
Spain 7.1 43.0 44.2
German Democratic Republic 0.0 18.0 54.9 50.0 62.3
Poland 0.1 0.1 15.8 56.0 56.6
Other countries 0.8 4.2 1.5 3.0 17.3
Total 188.1 281.8 428.5 499.6 618.9

Source: Country of origin data corresponding to SITC/R2 Sub-group 661.2 in the United Kingdom Overseas Trade Statistics.

Notes:

1. Figures for 1985 are provisional.

2. Due to rounding totals shown may not correspond exactly to the sum of the constituent items.

3. —= No trade.

0.0 = Negligible trade.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list in the Official Report the level of imports of cement into the United Kingdom in each of the past three yars.

in these subjects. It lists examples of activities already supported by certain employers. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has personally sent copies of the document to the chairmen of some of our major companies inviting them to consider how they might be able to help in alleviating teacher shortages in mathematics, physics and technology. The secondment of industrial employees to schools is one of the possibilities to be discussed.