§ 14. Mr. BURNETTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the memorial of the Retired Teachers' Association of Scotland with regard to the superannuation allowances for pre-1919 retired teachers; and whether he proposes to take action with a view to fixing these superannuation allowances on the basis of salary and years of service, in order to bring them into conformity with present-day practice?
§ The LORD ADVOCATEThe memorial referred to restates certain claims which have been very carefully 960 considered both by my right hon. Friend and by his predecessor in office in 1930. On 25th January last a deputation from the association placed their views on the subject before the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, who informed them that, after the fullest consideration, no hope of any addition to the concessions granted to the teachers in question in 1919 and 1925 could be held out. My right hon. Friend regrets that he can find no ground for reopening this matter.
§ Mr. BURNETTIn view of the fact that the numbers are so small and that the teachers in question are so very old and infirm, could the hon. and learned Gentleman not see his way to make some concession?
§ The LORD ADVOCATEThe matter is really too complicated for discussion by way of question and answer. If my hon. Friend wishes, my right hon. Friend will send him an explanatory statement.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes the hon. and learned Gentleman realise that the only complication in the matter is the expenditure by the Scottish Office of£1,000 or so?
Dr. MORRISONIn view of the small salaries that these people enjoyed during their teaching life, of their small number, and of their advanced age— they must be at least 81—will not my hon. and learned Friend be willing to reconsider this question?
Viscountess ASTORWill the hon. and learned Gentleman impress on the Government that if they can give £20,000 a day to the beet-sugar industry they might give an extra £1,000 a year to these teachers?