§ 30. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the assurance given the teachers in Circular 119 has been fully implemented in Scotland; whether the Scottish educational authorities are acting differently towards teachers than the similar authorities in England and Wales; and what are the arrangements by the Scottish authorities for supplementing Army pay for those on service, and the percentages made up compared with England?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Captain McEwen)The assurance given in paragraph 4 of Circular 119 has been implemented by the passing of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, the Education (Scotland) (War Service Superannuation) Act, 1939, and the Local Government Staffs (War Service) Act, 1939. By the last of these Acts, education authorities are empowered to make up the balance of the civil pay of-teachers who undertake war service, but I am informed that there is considerable diversity of practice between different authorities both in Scotland and in England and Wales.
§ Mr. WoodburnWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to try to get some uniformity in this matter, as it is, causing great anxiety and distress to these teachers, who feel that they are being unfairly treated as compared with other teachers?
§ Mr. G. A. MorrisonDoes my hon. and gallant Friend agree that the wording of one of the circulars gives reasonable ground for the statement that legislation on the subject was promised, and is he aware that there is grave and widespread dissatisfaction at what has been described as a breach of faith?
§ Captain McEwenAs I stated in reply to the Question, legislation has already been introduced. In reply to the Supplementary Question of the hon. Member opposite, my right hon. Friend will consider the matter.