§ 98. Mr. HILLSasked the President of the Board of Education whether he will take steps to see that teachers in 170 secondary and elementary schools who have volunteered for service, and consequently are unable to return to their duties next term, will not thereby forfeit their appointments, and will be liberally treated in the matter of salary, and in particular will he take steps to advise all education authorities to grant uniformity of treatment?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Pease)The conditions of employment and payment of teachers in secondary and elementary schools are primarily a matter for the local education authorities, managers and governing bodies responsible for the school staffs. The Local Government Board have already issued a Memorandum to local authorities advising them of their powers to grant leave of absence to persons in their employment who have been called out or who volunteer with their permission for active service, to make allowances to them of persons authorised by them in respect of salary, and to pay temporary substitutes. I sincerely hope, and have no reason to doubt that local education authorities and other responsible bodies are treating their teachers liberally in this matter; and unless a general wish is expressed by them for guidance and advice I do not think there is any necessity for the steps suggested by the hon. Member. I will, however, circulate this question and answer to all local education authorities.