HC Deb 16 January 1974 vol 867 cc125-6W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why she did not consult the Advisory Council on Teacher Training before deciding that mathematics and science graduates should be exempt from the requirement that from 1st January 1974 all new graduate teachers must have undergone professional training.

Mr. Raison

This matter was raised orally by one of the Department's assessors at the meeting of the Advisory Council on the Supply and Training of Teachers on 9th October.

Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice and representations she has received from teachers' organisations and local authorities about her decision permitting mathematics and science graduates exemption from professional teacher training courses.

Mr. Raison

Two teachers' associations and the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Training of Teachers, most of the members of which are nominated by local authorities' and teachers' associations, have expressed regret that provision was made for exemptions from the extension of the professional training requirement for secondary school teachers who acquired their degree or other "special qualification" after 1st January 1974.