HC Deb 15 October 2002 vol 390 c783W
Dr. Pugh

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what figures she collates on the vacancies for trained religious education specialists in secondary schools. [73345]

Mr. Miliband

National Statistics published by my Department on 5 August show that, in January 2002, there were 90 vacancies for full-time teachers of religious education in maintained secondary schools in England.

Dr. Pugh

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many places for religious education specialists at teacher training institutions are unfilled; [73346]

(2) how many places on teacher training courses are set aside for training religious education specialists. [73347]

Mr. Miliband

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, made available 650 places on courses of initial training of teachers of Religious Education in 2001/02. Of those, 588 were filled. 700 training places will be available for Religious Education in 2002/03.