§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to make a further statement about those teachers in schools who have not reregistered with the General Teaching Council.
§ Mr. RossFrom information received from education authorities the number of teachers in the schools who have not renewed their registration was 2,486 at 24th June. I understand, however, that this figure does not take fully into account the 750 registrations, not necessarily all of teachers serving in the schools, that have been effected with the Council since 9th June.
Education authorities are bound to comply with the provisions of the Schools (Scotland) Code which require that, with certain exceptions, only registered teachers may be employed in the schools, and I shall expect them to initiate as soon as possible any action that may be necessary to secure compliance with the Code in their areas.
Should any teacher lose his employment through failure to register, as 21 did last year, I should regret it very much. Registration is, however, a statutory condition of employment. I have made it clear on previous occasions that the continuation of the Council and its success must depend on the willingness of teachers to support it. The minority of teachers who have not re-registered have not only disqualified themselves for employment. They are also prejudicing the current review of the constitution and functions of the Council and indeed threatening the continued existence of the Council itself.
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§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many teachers currently employed by the education authorities of the counties of Argyll, Stirling, Clackmannan and Fife, respectively, have failed to re-register with the General Teaching Council since 1st April; and if he will give an undertaking that no action will be taken against them.
§ Mr. RossAt 24th June the position was as set out below. As to the second part of the Question, the answer is "No".
Education Authority Teachers in the schools who have not re-registered Argyll 22 Stirling 33 Clackmannan 16 Fife 66