asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that there is a shortage of teachers in Scotland and that there are many qualified married women teachers awaiting employment; if he will make a statement explaining this anomaly; and what plans he has to correct it.

My right hon. Friend is not aware that many qualified married women teachers are awaiting employment in Scotland, but I shall be glad to look into any cases of which the hon. and learned Member gives me details.

Is the hon. Lady aware that I am surprised by that Answer in view of the correspondence which I have received which indicates that this anomaly exists? Would she look carefully into the matter with a view to making the relevant conditions more practicable, or releasing married women teachers from other duties, or providing nursery classes for children, or providing part-time teaching, or any other way which would solve this anomaly?

Recruitment of married women into full-time teaching went up by 411 last year compared with 1962. But it is sometimes difficult to arrange for part-time teaching, and, of course, there are home difficulties for some of these married women.