§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the availability of mathematics and physics teachers; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Alexander FletcherAt September 1980 the net deficits of teachers of mathematics and physics in education authority schools in Scotland had been reduced to 85 and 67, respectively. These subjects, together with technical education, are the subjects to which the colleges of education have been asked to give highest priority in selecting students for session 1981–82. If the 1981–82 intake of mathematics students is as high as that in 1980–81, the shortage of mathematics teachers may disappear in many areas. The shortage of physics teachers will not be completely eliminated unless the number coming forward for training increases significantly. I am considering whether further steps are desiable in this regard.