HC Deb 12 June 1981 vol 6 cc220-1W
Mr. Lyell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to increase the number and quality of science and mathematics teachers by encouraging local education authorities to provide opportunities for in-service training as recommended by the James report.

Dr. Boyson

Despite the need to effect reductions in expenditure in education as in other local authority services, the Government expenditure plans to 1983–84 make provision for the release of teachers to in-service training and induction at a level similar to that in the recent past. Additionally, in view of the particular importance of improving the number and quality of teachers of science and mathematics, the special scheme for encouraging training, retraining and further training in priority subjects will continue until the end of the 1983–84 academic year. However, it is for local education authorities themselves to determine their priorities for expenditure within the resources made available to them.