§ 80. Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Education whether he will announce his proposals for mature students who wish to undertake a three-year teachers' training course.
§ Sir D. EcclesOn the question of provision of more places, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Flint, East (Mrs. White) on 23rd June. Dependants' grants for mature students taking a three-year course of teacher training are being considered in conjunction with the Anderson Report.
§ 81. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Education if he will take steps to ensure that education authorities in rural areas have special funds available to pay for the transportation of temporary teachers from their place of residence to the school where they are needed.
§ Sir D. EcclesI have no power to make special funds available for this purpose.
§ Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Education if he will recommend local education authorities to pay the full expenses, including travelling expenses, of all teachers who attend approved courses.
§ Sir D. EcclesLocal education authorities pay the full travelling expenses and salary of serving teachers attending approved courses of one year or one term. The Ministry assists with the travelling expenses of those attending short courses run by the Ministry. There are no tuition fees on these courses. Authorities have discretion to assist with other expenses in the case of short courses and have been invited to consider individual cases on their merits. I am content to leave this to their discretion.