HC Deb 06 July 1927 vol 208 cc1251-2
32. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked Secretary of State for Scotland whether the county staffs and advisory staffs of the Scottish agricultural colleges have been admitted to the teachers' superannuation scheme; and whether financial provision has been made to permit their past service to be taken into account in connection with superannuation benefits?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question actuarial inquiry is at present in progress, and until this is completed I cannot make any pronouncement as to whether financial provision will be made for taking into account past service for superannuation benefits.

33. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Scottish agricultural colleges have yet accepted and made arrangements for giving effect to the principle of increased grants from local sources towards their upkeep; and whether the recommendations of the Constable Committee with regard to the salaries of the staffs of these colleges have yet been put into operation?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The Scottish agricultural colleges have accepted the principle that increased grants should be obtained by them from local sources in order that the annual contributions from public funds may be progressively reduced. I understand that, the colleges are endeavouring to arrange with the local authorities concerned with a view to implementing this agreement. In these circumstances, I am hopeful that such arrangements will be made and that revision of the salaries of the staffs of the colleges as from 1st April, 1926, will be effected at an early date.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Is it not a fact that at least one of these colleges has actually made the arrangements to which the right hon. Gentleman referred, and in the case of that particular college surely the arrangements for granting the Constable scales of pay may now be carried into effect without waiting for the other two colleges where the arrangements are not so far advanced?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I think it would be most undesirable if steps were taken like this in one case and not in all.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Have not some of these men been waiting now for three years, and have we not now this Report of the Constable Committee supporting their case?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As I have said, I hope it will be settled at an early date, and, as I have repeatedly explained, there will be no detriment to the individuals concerned as soon as an agreement is reached.