HC Deb 18 June 1973 vol 858 cc47-9W
Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the percentage shortage of music teachers in Scottish schools.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

There are as yet no generally recognised staffing standards in secondary schools which would enable precise measurements to be made of teacher demand in individual subjects. The number of qualified teachers of music has been increasing in recent years, but there is a shortage more especially perhaps in those areas where music has not had an important place in the secondary school curriculum. The provision of training places has been extended and meets demand.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to increase the number of places available to Scottish pupils wishing to follow a music course.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The provision of facilities for pupils who wish to include the study of music as a principal subject in their secondary courses is the responsibility of education authorities. Because I am anxious to encourage the development of musical education in Scotland I have recently set up a working party to undertake a wide-ranging review of the place of music in the school curriculum. I have also arranged for a smaller group to consider the needs of children of exceptional musical talent.