HC Deb 23 October 1990 vol 178 c149W
16. Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress made in teacher recruitment; and if he will make a statement.

22. Mr. Haselhurst

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the level of teacher recruitment at the start of the new school year.

41. Mr. Hardy

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress made in teacher recruitment.

69. Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress made in teacher recruitment.

Mr. Fallon

The Department's September survey of teacher vacancies showed that LEAs and schools were very successful in filling teaching posts this summer. Teachers are broadly available in sufficient numbers to fill posts. Nevertheless, it is clear that there continue to be difficulties in certain parts of the country and in certain subjects. We shall continue with our range of measures to improve teacher supply.

20. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are his estimates of the number of unfilled teaching posts in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in London at the beginning of the autumn term of the current year.

Mr. Fallon

My right hon. Friend published on 5 October the results of the Department's survey of teacher vacancies at the beginning of September. A copy is in the Library. On 3 September LEAs in Greater London reported 311 unfilled posts in primary schools, and 245 unfilled posts in secondary schools. This is very much fewer than the vacancy levels reported in January. These results reflect the good work and determination of authorities to fill their vacancies and show that our measures to improve teacher recruitment and retention are working.