HC Deb 07 December 1989 vol 163 cc312-3W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has concerning the number of teaching vacancies in Cheshire at present and in each of the previous five years.

Mr. Alan Howarth

Numbers of full-time teacher vacancies in Cheshire are given in the table. Information on primary vacancies was not collected prior to 1988.

Mr. Alan Howarth

The year to 31 March 1987 is the most recent for which figures are available. Detailed comparison with data from previous years is not possible prior to 1986. The figures are given in the table including more limited data for earlier years.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has received concerning morale in the teaching profession in Cheshire; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Howarth

My right hon. Friend has received a number of letters recently from teachers in Cheshire about morale in the profession. He recognises the demands on teachers, and has on many occasions paid tribute to their hard work and professionalism.