§ Mr. St. John-Stevasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what net annual increase he estimates will be needed in the number of teachers in service in schools to preserve, but not improve, in the academic year 1976–77 the pupil-teacher ratios of 23.6 and 17.0 now estimated as likely in January 1976.
§ Miss Joan LestorAbout 3,000 in the maintained primary and secondary schools in England and Wales.
§ Mr. St. John-Stevasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what net annual increase in the number of teachers in service in schools he estimates would be achieved in January 1977 over January 1976 if, first, all teachers who have been seeking but not finding posts in 1975 found them during 1976 and, secondly, teachers qualifying during 1976 and all the likely number of 571W returners &c., seeking posts were successful in finding them.
§ Mr. MulleyA reliable estimate is not possible because of the uncertainty, both about the trend in wastage from the profession, and also about the number of qualified teachers who are or will be seeking teaching posts, including those intending to return to service.
§ Mr. Michael Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what measures he intends to introduce to reduce teacher unemployment.
§ Mr. MulleyI am considering together with my Advisory Committee on the Supply and Training of Teachers what measures may be possible to limit any rise in the number of teachers unemployed.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what provision exists on a formal basis for the briefing of teachers at secondary and tertiary education levels, who are responsible for careers advice.
§ Miss Joan LestorShort courses are provided by local education authorities and by a number of other agencies. One-term and one-year full-time courses, some concentrating on careers guidance and others dealing with this along with other aspects of counselling, are available at universities and other higher education institutions.
§ Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teachers leaving teacher training colleges this year he expects not to be able to find jobs in education.
§ Mr. Mulley37,600 students are expected to complete their initial teacher training courses successfully this year in colleges and polytechnic and university departments of education and a high proportion of those who seek employment in teaching are likely to find it. Uncertainty about trends in wastage from and re-entry to the profession makes it impossible to give a reliable estimate of the number who may not be able to find teaching posts.