§ 84. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Education what is the estimated shortage of science teachers; how many students he estimates are undergoing training for the teaching of science; when he estimates that the supply will catch up with the demand both in the teaching profession and industry; and what special steps he is now taking to encourage young people to take up this special training.
§ Sir D. EcclesThis topic is discussed in Chapter II of my Department's Report for 1955. I cannot say how soon the supply of science teachers will match the demand. Between 600 and 700 graduates in science and mathematics are preparing for teaching at university departments of education, and some 500 other graduates in these subjects are likely to enter the schools this autumn. Two hundred and fifteen students have enrolled for third-year courses in science and mathematics at training college, compared with 59 a year ago. The new salary scales for teachers should have a stimulating effect on recruitment.