§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teachers trained in publicly financed colleges of education are working in the private school sector; and what contribution is made by the private sector to the training costs of such teachers.
§ Mr. DunnThe Department has no record of the number of teachers involved. The independent schools sector contributes to the cost of initial teacher training in so far as it pays rates and taxes.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list his powers to set minimum qualifications for teaching in the private sector of education from five to 16-year-olds.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend has no such powers. However, section 71 of the Education Act 1944 places him under a duty to take action against an independent school which fails to provide efficient and suitable instruction. He would accordingly be concerned about a school in which the teachers had insufficient relevant qualifications or experience.