HC Deb 17 May 1911 vol 25 cc2012-3
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether he was aware of the system adopted by some local education authorities under which the amount of the salaries of the head teachers of elementary schools was dependent upon the average school attendance, although the latter depended upon local industrial conditions and was beyond the power of the teacher to control; and that under this system many a teacher, whose value to a school had increased through greater teaching experience and knowledge of a locality and its inhabitants, was driven by a reduction of his salary to seek employment elsewhere after having made a particular place his home for many years; whether He had sanctioned this system; and, if not, whether he would take steps to alter it?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Runciman)

I am aware that many local education authorities have adopted salary scales under which teachers' salaries are determined, more or less directly, by average attendance. I understand that there are many varieties of this arrangement. If the hon. Member has any particular case of hardship in his mind and will give me particulars I shall be happy to consider whether the matter is one in which I can properly intervene.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

Will the right hon. Gentleman direct his attention particularly to the county of Wilts?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If the hon. Member gives me any particular case I will certainly inquire into it.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in every case where the school attendance is reduced, the salary of the head teacher is decreased, although such reduction in attendance is due to no fault of his own?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I understand that that is the statement in the question. If the hon. Gentleman will give me any par- titular case of hardship I shall be glad to inquire into it.

Mr. C. BATHURST

I will give several.