To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has concerning the number of former teachers re-entering the profession; and if he will make a statement.

In 1987—the most recent year for which reliable data are available—some 16,200 former teachers returned to the profession; over half all entrants. The Government are supporting LEA expenditure of £12 million over two years, 1990–92, which will help authorities to maintain the recruitment of returners at a high level.