§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will now take steps to reassess the career structure and prospects of teachers of deaf children.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasIt would be inappropriate for my right hon. Friend to do so. The number of higher level posts in maintained special schools is determined by local education authorities, though the salary payable is subject to certain restrictions under the 1972 report of the Burnham Primary and Secondary Committee. The salaries of teachers of the deaf are a matter for negotiation in that committee. In non-maintained schools, the number and remuneration of higher level posts is a matter for the governing bodies, subject to approval of school fees by my Department.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teachers of deaf children have been recruited in the last five years; and how many have left.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasDetails of appointments and resignations are not available. The numbers of teachers in England and Wales obtaining the special qualifications for teaching deaf children were as follows:
1968 … … … … 102 1969 … … … … 108 1970 … … … … 118 1971 … … … … 137 1972 … … … … 132