HC Deb 31 July 1947 vol 441 cc77-8W
68. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Education whether the is satisfied with the present recruitment of graduate teachers for secondary schools; and whether the is proposing to take any steps in the matter.

Mr. Tomlinson

I am not satisfied with the rate at which graduates are entering the teaching profession. Owing to the length of the university course, it necessarily takes time to make good war losses, but the number of students at the universities who have expressed their intention of entering the teaching profession suggests that the position will improve substantially. I am at present investigating the requirements of the schools to see whether any special action is needed

76. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Education how many, and which, universities have indicated their willingness to accept responsibility for the training of teachers on the general lines of the McNair Report.

Mr. Tomlinson

The following universities and university colleges have indicated their willingness to accept responsibility for the training of teachers on an area basis in general accordance with the proposals described as "University Schools of Education" in the McNair Report: Birmingham, Bristol, Durham, Hull, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Southampton, the University College of the South-West and the University of Wales. The following universities and university colleges have indicated their willingness to co-operate with training colleges and local education authorities in setting up a joint body to be responsible for the training of teachers on an area basis in general accordance with the alternative proposals of the McNair Report: Cambridge, Leeds, Liverpool, Reading, Sheffield. Three university Institutes of Education are already established (at Birmingham, Bristol and Nottingham) and the remaining schemes have reached varying stages of progress.

Mr. Haire

asked the Minister of Education how many graduates have resigned horn grammar schools in the past year in order to take up non-academic work; and how the proposes to make good the wastage.

Mr. Tomlinson

I have no complete evidence of abnormal wastage from the profession among graduates. I am, however, at present investigating the requirement of the schools to see whether and special action is needed.