HC Deb 17 October 1989 vol 158 cc86-7W
29. Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a further statement on secondary school teacher shortages.

Mr. Alan Howarth

In January 1989 vacancies amounted to about 1.3 per cent. of the secondary teaching force—a proportion that has remained broadly similar over many years. However, there are difficulties in filling vacancies in some areas and in some subjects. Over £50 million has been spent so far on the Department's action programme, launched in 1986 to combat these difficulties. We will continue and reinforce this programme.