HC Deb 05 July 1961 vol 643 c130W
80. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Education what are the numbers of teachers with specialist qualifications in science and mathematics who are teaching these subjects in grammar, technical and other State schools; what are the numbers of unfilled vacancies in the two subjects; and what is the anticipated shortage of such teachers for each of the years 1962 to 1965.

Sir D. Eccles

In March, 1960, there were 13,837 teachers in maintained schools who had a degree in mathematics or science. It is likely that these teachers were teaching their own subjects. A special inquiry of maintained secondary schools in 1958 showed 244 vacancies for mathematics specialists and 260 for science specialists, since when the position has not changed significantly. It is not possible to give figures of vacancies for mathematics and science teachers for each of the years 1962 to 1965 but it is clear that more such teachers, particularly for mathematics and physics, will be required to meet the needs of the schools.