HC Deb 31 March 1913 vol 51 cc35-7
74. Mr. GINNELL

asked why the Commissioners of National Education, on promoting a teacher from one grade to another to which a higher salary is attached, do not automatically pay that higher salary from the date of promotion, especially as they return unused some of the money voted to them by Parliament; and, if it be the Tresury, into which this unsued money goes, which prevents its use, by what statutory authority does it refuse to provide salaries according to the Board's scale?

Mr. RUSSELL

I have nothing to add to the numerous replies given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to questions on this subject. Teachers qualify for promotion under Rule 104 (a), but the number of teachers recognised in each grade is limited and an increased salary cannot be awarded until vacancies arise. It is not permissible for the Commissioners of National Education under the Regulations sanctioned by Parliament and the Treasury to apply the balances remaining on hand at the end of the financial year towards payments of Grants not provided for in the Vote, or for which the sanction of Government and the Treasury had not previously been obtained.

Mr. GINNELL

The right hon. Gentleman has not explained by what statutory authority the money is withheld by the Board which returns money to the Treasury unused?

Mr. RUSSELL

The returning of unexpended money to the Treasury is obligatory upon all Departments.

Mr. GINNELL

They pay their debts first?

Mr. RUSSELL

This is not, a debt until a vacancy occurs.

82. Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Fish teachers' executive, as well as the annual congress of teachers just concluded, unanimously decided to refuse to gve evidence before the Committee of Inqury while it sat in private; whether he is aware that under these circumstances he further sittings of this Committee will be of no value; and, if they still refuse to admit the Press, will he take steps to dissolve the Committee?

Mr. RUSSELL

It is not proposed to dissolve the Committee? While regretting not to receive the assistance of the teachers' organisations, its members hope to be able to furnish a useful report from the documents and evidence which have been submitted to them.