§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy for dealing with teacher shortages in Scottish schools; and what effect he estimates his policy will have on schools in South Ayrshire.
§ Mr. William RossThe increasing supply in recent years of both primary and secondary teachers is likely to continue, and there should be enough teachers generally to enable education authorities, including Ayrshire, to reach improved staffing standards proposed for attainment within the next few years. There are at present serious shortages in secondary schools in a few areas and in some subjects. These shortages will, however, not be so great next session as a result of the large number of new teachers emerging from the colleges of education.