HC Deb 20 February 1985 vol 73 cc455-6W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the decision not to reconstitute the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers at the end of its five-year term.

Mr. Dunn

None.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has for the implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers concerning the number of new teachers and intake to initial training; what analysis has been made of the cost of the proposals concerning intake to initial training; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dunn

My right hon. Friend, with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, is currently considering the advice submitted by the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers on the future demand for primary and secondary teachers and on future levels of intakes to initial teacher training. Decisions on the size and broad shape of the initial training system from 1986 will be announced as soon as possible taking into account all relevant factors including resource implications.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list in the Official Report the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers, with the estimated cost of implementation and his Department's response to each recommendation.

Mr. Dunn

During its five-year term the committee has submitted 10 substantial reports and some shorter pieces of advice to my right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. Some of the recommendations contained in those reports have been of considerable significance for subsequent policy decisions. Owing to the number and scope of the recommendations, however, a full answer to the question cannot be given without disproportionate cost. I shall send the hon. Member copies of the committee's reports and of the responses made so far by my right hon. Friends.