asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications have been received by teacher training colleges from young people who hope to enter such colleges in the autumn of this year; and how many will be accepted.

Some 3,870 applications have so far been received by the colleges of education for admission to pre-service courses of teacher training in session 1982–83. As to the number to be accepted, I refer the right hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bute and North Ayrshire (Mr. Corrie) on 2 March.—[Vol. 19, c. 76–77.]