HC Deb 24 March 1949 vol 463 cc57-8W
82. Mr. K. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the shortage of qualified assistant teachers, amounting approximately to 160 or 18 per cent. in the East London area; whether there is a general shortage in London as a whole; and what steps he proposes to take in order to meet this problem.

Mr. Tomlinson

I am aware that there is a shortage of teachers in East London. The overall position, however, in London compares favourably with that in the country generally and it is for the London County Council in co-operation with school managers and governors to see that the available staff is distributed to the best advantage.

84. Mr. K. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Education what permanent machinery exists within his Department to regulate the recruitment and training of teachers; and what action he proposes to take in order to secure a proper and balanced supply in future for the staffing of nursery, infant, junior and secondary schools.

Mr. Tomlinson

Forecasts as to probable demand are and will be used to determine what training college developments should be encouraged from time to time and what advice should be given to training colleges as to the emphasis to be placed on various forms of training. In addition, I have had the benefit of advice from the Interim Committee for Teachers and am about to set up a National Advisory Council on teachers' questions, including the question of adjusting supply and demand.

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