§ Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Education whether he will convert a number of teachers training colleges with a two-year duration into E.T.C. with one-year duration, in order, as an emergency, to provide more teachers for our present needs.
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo, Sir; but this year's entry to the permanent training colleges for men students will be restricted almost entirely to ex-Service candidates, including men who have been selected for the Emergency Training Scheme.
§ Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Education how many temporary E.T.C. student teachers are training at the moment; how many applicants are waiting to be trained; and what is the period of waiting.
§ Mr. TomlinsonOn 17th April, 1947, there were 9,604 students in training at Emergency Training Colleges and places for about 1,500 students temporarily empty between successive courses. Candidates accepted but not yet allocated to colleges 141W numbered 22,173. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a note sent to accepted candidates which shows the estimated waiting period in various cases.
§ Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Education whether he proposes to increase the number of E.T.C.; and if he will announce his plans.
§ Mr. TomlinsonForty-six Emergency Training Colleges are now open, with accommodation for over 11,000 students. To complete the programme, 12 further colleges, with over 2,000 places, are in various stages of preparation.