HC Deb 21 February 1956 vol 549 cc16-7W
71. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children are currently receiving only part-time education in Fife and in Scotland as a whole, respectively and what immediate steps are being taken to remedy this situation.

Mr. J. Stuart

The number of pupils in Scotland at present receiving part-time education is 1,570, of whom 105, all in the lowest primary class, are in Fife and the remainder in Glasgow. The education authorities are doing everything possible to recruit additional staff, including temporary teachers to replace those who are absent because of illness.

77. Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the position that has arisen in Glasgow where, owing to the shortage of teachers, many children are receiving half-time education; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. J. Stuart

In the past few weeks, Glasgow schools have been affected by two temporary factors, the high incidence of illness among staff at this season, and the increase in the secondary roll resulting from the fact that each January a large number of pupils enter secondary courses without a corresponding number leaving. It was consequently found necessary to introduce part-time instruction for certain classes in eight secondary schools and also in a number of primary schools which has varied from day to day according to the incidence of illness among the staff. The position has since improved and three of the secondary schools have been able to resume full-time instruction. On 20th February, 22 secondary classes containing 855 pupils and 15 primary classes containing 610 pupils were receiving part-time instruction which varied from half to over three-quarters of the normal amount. The education authority is doing all it can to remedy matters through the most effective deployment of all the available staff. At its request, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State is shortly meeting representatives of the authority and of the local association of the Educational Institute of Scotland to discuss the position.