HC Deb 18 March 1981 vol 1 cc134-5W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a table showing how many people were made redundant in the education sector in 1979 and 1980, the total cost of redundancy payments and the minimum, maximum and average payments made in each case.

Dr. Boyson

The Department does not have the information in the form required by my hon. Friend. However, the estimated number of teachers who were prematurely retired by means of redundancy—as distinct from other premature retirements of teachers in the interest of efficiency of the service—is about 1,300 in 1979–80 and 1,960 in 1980–81. These totals do not include those made redundant from colleges and departments of education.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate has been made of the future demand for school teachers; how this has been assessed; and what is the estimated effect on teacher training colleges and university education departments.

Dr. Boyson

A number of projections, based on various hypotheses, have been prepared at the request of the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers. Forecasts for the years beyond 1984 are illustrative and not based on firm Government policy decisions on resource allocations. My right hon. and learned Friend looks forward to receiving from the committee in due course advice on the future size and shape of the teacher training system.