§ 42. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is intended to introduce salary increases 620 for teachers in Scotland, in view of the need to attract the increased numbers of teachers required now and post-war, and in view of present underpayment hardships.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)The National Joint Council to deal with salaries of teachers in Scotland has recently adopted a revised constitution under which it falls to me to appoint a neutral chairman; negotiations with both sides of the council with a view to securing an agreed nomination are at present in progress and I hope to make an announcement shortly. I shall then ask the council to frame, for my consideration, revised scales of salary, having regard to the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Education.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Secretary of State aware that at a conference of prominent teachers on Sunday, it was stated that Scottish school teachers' wages were much lower than those of English school teachers? Will he see that Scotland, which is ahead in education, is also ahead in the payment of salaries?
§ Mr. JohnstonI cannot, without notice, vouch for the information which my hon. Friend has given me.