§ 63. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has concerning the shortage of key teachers in particular education authorities; and what action he is proposing to ensure that they are enabled to discharge their statutory obligations.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe Department does not maintain detailed records of teacher recruitment in individual local education authorities. We are aware that some authorities have had difficulties in recruiting enough teachers with certain specialisms in the secondary or primary age ranges. An expansion of the primary training system was begun in 1982, and we have encouraged more students to specialise in the teaching of younger pupils. On the question of secondary specialisms, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Mr. Howarth).