§ MR. RANKINasked the Vice President of the Council, Whether, in view of the generally expressed opinion of the Elementary School Teachers in England and Wales in favour of a system of compulsory subscription to a pension fund, the Government have taken into their consideration the question of establishing such a fund; and, whether, in order to facilitate the views of the school teachers on this matter, the Government would give as an unopposed Return the number and ages of the Certificated Elementary School Teachers in England and Wales?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI have no evidence, Sir, that there is a general feeling among elementary teachers in favour of a compulsory pension fund. On the contrary, I believe, there is a great division of opinion on the question; and, while I think such a scheme would be 445 very desirable, if it were practicable, I cannot see how we could enforce subscriptions upon the teachers, seeing that we have nothing to do with the payment of their salaries. The Return asked for would entail much labour and expense; but I will consider the question, and communicate with the hon. Member respecting it. I shall be glad to do anything in my power to facilitate the establishment of a pension fund.