HC Deb 27 October 1952 vol 505 cc178-9W
Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what saving he expects from the increased charges for further educational classes in Scotland.

Mr. J. Stuart

The information received from education authorities indicates that, in the current financial year, the total savings on further education will be approximately £60,000. Of that amount, about £16,000 represents increased income from higher fees.

Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give some extra remuneration to teachers in further educational classes or, failing that, pay for their transport to and from classes.

Mr. J. Stuart

It is within the discretion of education authorities to fix the salaries of part-time teachers in further education classes and to give such teachers transport payments. No transport payments seem to be called for in the case of full-time teachers, whose salaries include an addition to the basic scale.

Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he now has as to the decline in numbers enrolling in further educational classes in Scotland; and if he will break down the figures between arts classes, technical classes, and such semi-recreational classes as country dancing.

Mr. J. Stuart

Returns from education authorities for session 1951–52 are not yet complete, and comparison with previous years must await the receipt of that information. The total number of students in continuation classes in session 1950–51 was about 4 per cent. less than in 1949–50. I regret that a detailed comparison of the figures in the form requested is not practicable, but the general position is that an increase in the number attending vocational classes was off-set by a decline in the non-vocational classes. Further particulars are given in Chapter 2 of the Report on Education in Scotland in 1951 (Cmd. 8515).