HC Deb 12 July 1956 vol 556 cc46-8W
66. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Education if he will reconsider his refusal in the case of a Huyton teacher, whose name has been supplied to him, to include in his service, for the purpose of increment, a period of war work under the direction of the Ministry of Labour.

Sir D. Eccles

The Burnham Committee Report provides that civilian employment during the war period can be reckoned as equivalent to teaching service for purposes of increment only if it is service which the Minister considers may properly be treated for the purposes of the Teacher Superannuation (War Service) Act, 1939, in the same manner as service in the Forces. I have reviewed the case of the teacher to which the right hon. Gentleman has previously drawn my attention, but, for the reasons I have given him, I cannot see any grounds for altering the decision sent to the teacher in 1950

68. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education what representations he has received from Staffordshire Education Authority about shortage of teachers in the county; and what action he will take.

71. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Education what representations he has had from the Staffordshire County Council about teacher shortage; and how many teachers are required to make up the establishment.

Sir D. Eccles

The local education authority told me a week ago that about 450 of the teaching posts which they wish to fill for next term were still vacant on 1st June: and they urged me to introduce a scheme fixing maximum establishments for each authority. As I explained in replying to the debate on the Adjournment on 6th July, I do not think this suggestion practicable, but I shall be ready to meet the authority and discuss their difficulties if they wish.

69. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Education how many teachers are required to make up the establishment in Leek, Cheadle, Biddulph and Kidsgrove, respectively, in the Leek Division.

Sir D. Eccles

I understand that the local education authority would like to obtain 28 more teachers to serve in the Leek Division—six in Leek, two in Cheadle, nine in Biddulph and 11 in Kidsgrove.

74. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that the situation regarding the shortage of teachers in the Birmingham schools is rapidly deteriorating; that unless some action is taken to stop the drain of teachers from that city, the number of teachers short will be 1,000 by the end of August and may possibly mean a closing of many classes; and if he will take immediate action in the matter.

Sir D. Eccles

I am aware of Birmingham's severe difficulties, but I am not sure what are the assumptions behind the hon. Member's figure. As to the last part of the Question, I would refer him to my speech in the Adjournment debate on 6th July.