§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he proposes to take on the recommendation of the Select Committee on Education, Science amd Arts that a higher rate of maintenance grant, linked with a pledge to take up relevant employment, should be considered for students in subjects like mathematics where there is a shortage of teachers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleMy Department has today sent to the interested parties proposals for a pilot scheme of national scholarships for graduates in mathematics or physical science who take the postgraduate certificate in education at certain selected institutions. In the pilot scheme 60 scholarships would be awarded for each of the two years of the experiment. The value of the scholarship would be £500 and it would be in addition to the student's mandatory award. The scholars would be required to undertake to teach for at least two years; and local education authorities would participate in the scheme by guaranteeing jobs for the scholars. I intend to take powers through regulations to be made under section 3(a) of the Education Act 1962 to pay the scholarships. My Department has invited the interested parties to send their views by 23 January 1981, with a view to the offer of the first scholarships for the 1981–82 academic year.