HC Deb 10 May 1922 vol 153 cc2180-1
77. Sir PHILIP MAGNUS

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, having regard to the dissatisfaction widely expressed by school teachers with the proposal that they should be required to make a, contribution in respect of their pension, and particularly as regards other matters affecting teachers serving in independent schools, arising out of the distinction between qualified and recognised service under the School Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1918, he will arrange that the reference to the Committee, which he has promised to appoint, shall be sufficiently wide to enable the Committee, after hearing evidence, to report as to Amendments to the Act that might be recommended for adoption by the Government; and whether he can now state when the proposed Committee will be appointed?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)

The Government propose to set up a Committee with the following Terms of Reference: To inquire what modifications are desirable in the system of superannuation established by the School Teachers (Super-animation) Act, 1918, regard being had both to the economy of public funds and to the provision of adequate and suitable benefits for members of the teaching profession, as well as to the effect which such modifications are calculated to have on the scheme framed in terms of the Education (Scotland) (Superannuation) Act, 1919. I hope to be able to announce the composition of the Committee shortly.

Sir P. MAGNUS

Will the evidence of other people who are interested in education be taken?

Mr. FISHER

I assume that would be so, but that is a matter for the Chairman of the Committee to determine.

Mr. RENDALL

Why was this answer not given some weeks ago, when I and many other hon. Members put the same question?

Mr. FISHER

I did indicate that the Government were determined to have an inquiry, but the terms of reference had not then been settled. My right hon. Friend was at Genoa and I thought it better to defer the answer.

Mr. A. SHAW

Is it proposed to go on with the Bill as circulated to-day?