HC Deb 15 August 1940 vol 364 c936
28. Mr. Lipson

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will recommend to the Burnham Committee that the war bonus to teachers below a certain income should take the form of a flat-rate increase as being more equitable and more appropriate than a percentage increase on salaries?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I understand that the Burnham Committees have already agreed upon a joint recommendation to their constituent bodies that war bonus should be granted to teachers whose salaries do not exceed a certain figure, on the basis of a uniform percentage increase on their salaries. It is not for me to make suggestions to the Committees, the function of my Department being limited to the acceptance or otherwise for grant purposes of the recommendations of the Burnham Committees.

Mr. Lipson

Since my right hon. Friend rejects this proposal, is it not possible to make suggestions under which he would approve of an alternative method? Does he think that the proposal suggested in my Question is not fairer?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I had better consider the recommendation before I express an opinion.

Mr. De la Bère

Does the Minister appreciate that many of these people have been very hard hit as a result of the war and that they need every consideration and sympathy?