§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has yet determined the allocations of specific grant to the local authorities in Wales for in-service teacher training in 1987–88; and what improvements he expects as a result of the new arrangements which he is introducing.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsIn September 1986 the local education authorities in Wales were invited to submit details of their programmes of in-service teacher training for 1986–87. At the same time the authorities were given indicative allocations of grant ceilings against which to bid. All the authorities have submitted proposals for in-service training involving expenditure equalling or exceeding the indicative allocations. After considering these proposals, and in the light of advice from Her Majesty's inspectorate, I have decided that grant should be provided on the basis of the indicative allocation of £11.86 million aided expenditure for the scheme. I intend to confirm the allocations to each authority after regulations have been laid before Parliament and come into force.
This is a major new scheme for the professional development of teachers, leading to a more effective and properly planned system of training for the education service. The aided expenditure for 1987–88 represents and increse of 19 per cent. over the estimated expenditure on in-service training in the current year. I am pleased that local authorities have responded positively: they intend to spend £13.5 million on in-service training next year compared with £9.96 million this year. This is a major step towards ensuring that teachers' access to training will no longer depend on the part of the country in which they work.