§ 62. Mr. MARTINasked the President of the Board of Education whether the women teachers in their dispute with the London County Council as to salaries have the right to demand arbitration; and, if they have not such right, will he introduce legislation giving it to them?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Lewis)My right hon. Friend is not aware that the teachers have any legal right to claim arbitration on the questions in dispute, and he has no assurance that the establishment of a general system of arbitration, which would presumably have to be obligatory both upon teachers on the one side and the school authorities on the other, would be welcomed by the bodies concerned.
§ Mr. ROCHWill the right hon. Gentleman refer this question to the Committee which is considering women's wages?
§ Mr. MARTINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the women teachers of London are contemplating a general strike?
§ Mr. LEWISIn view of the fact that a full meeting of the London County Council will be held to-morrow to consider a petition from teachers, I would venture to deprecate any further discussion at this moment.