To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has to recruit bright young people into the teaching profession; and if he will make a statement.

Bright young people completing first degrees are an important source of teachers.Initial teacher training bursaries are available to attract students to train to teach in shortage subjects. A number of innovative and more flexible courses are starting this autumn. The teaching as a career unit attends university careers fairs and places advertisements specifically designed to attract new graduates into teacher training. Young, first-degree students responding to the current national teacher advertising campaign are sent information packs specially compiled to meet their interests and needs. A work experience scheme in schools is being made available for students this September, and teaching taster courses will also be extended to undergraduates.