HC Deb 28 October 1909 vol 12 cc1169-71
Mr. T. R. FERENS (for Mr. Guy Wilson)

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the total amount of the superannuation allowance and annuity on which Mrs. J. F. Pitts, of the Park-road council school, Hull, has been retired; and at what age such retirement took place, and after what number of years as a certificated teacher in public elementary schools?

The HON. MEMBER

asked similar questions in regard to (1) Miss A. E. Somerscales, of Wawne-street council school, Hull, and (2) Mr. C. W. Tunley, of the Chiltern-street council school, Hull?

Viscount MORPETH

put a like question in respect of Mr. George Holmes, of St. Barnabas Schools, Birmingham.

Mr. RUNCIMAN (in reply to the four questions)

I must refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Oswestry Division of Shropshire on Tuesday last.

Sir HENRY CRAIK (for Mr. Bridgeman)

asked whether the case of teachers who entered the profession under the Minutes of 1846 was recognised by the grant of special pensions under subsequent codes for which they alone were eligible; and whether it is possible to continue such privileges to this class of teachers in addition to any rights under the Superannuation Act, which does not secure to them the rights which were given by the Minutes of 1846?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

With reference to the first part of the hon. Member's question, the Committee of Council on Education provided by Minute that the limitation on the number of pensions subsequently imposed should not prejudice the interests of teachers who were employed before August, 1851. With reference to the second part of the question, teachers who have accepted the Superannuation Act cannot receive a Code pension unless they are able to prove to the satisfaction of the Board that they are unable to qualify for an allowance under the Superannuation Act. I may point out to the hon. Member that the Minute of 1846 did not confer any "rights" on teachers. That Minute provided that a retiring pension might be granted to a teacher subject to certain conditions as to service, and to reports from the inspector and from the trustees and managers of the schools as to the character and conduct of the applicant and his discharge of his duties. The amount of any pension so awarded was to be determined after consideration of these reports.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is it not the case that those old teachers were formerly entitled to special consideration and privileges, but are now, under the Superannuation Act, reduced to the level of all ordinary teachers, and only get the superannuation to which they are entitled by their own contributions; and is it not competent to restore the privileges they had previously?

Mr RUNCIMAN

The matter is so technical that I think I must ask for notice of those questions.