HC Deb 26 June 1980 vol 987 cc257-8W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the level of supply of mathematics and science teachers in Scotland.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Mathematics, physics and chemistry are among the subjects to which I have asked colleges of education to give highest priority in selecting students for admission in session 1980–81. In addition, I wrote recently to a range of major private firms and nationalised industries inviting them to draw the attention of appropriately qualified staff who might be contemplating early retirement to the possibility of training as teachers of shortage subjects. I am at present considering what further steps might be taken.