§ 30 and 31. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he is aware that Fife County Education Committee are dispensing with the services of married women teachers on one week's notice; whether he is satisfied that there is a surplus of teachers in that county; and whether such surplus will be made available for other areas in need of teachers;
(2) whether married women teachers, whose services are terminated by Fife County Education Committee will receive the usual monthly notice or pay in lieu thereof.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Allan Chapman)I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to answer Questions 30 and 31 together. My right hon. Friend is informed that of 42 married women teachers temporarily employed by Fife Education Authority whose engagements were, in accordance with practice, formally terminated at the end of the session, seven were released at their own request, eight have been already re-engaged and the remainder, 21 of whom were engaged on a day-to-day basis, will be offered reappointment next session. No notice was required in the case of the teachers who are engaged on a day-to-day basis; the others are being given a month's notice or pay in lieu thereof. So far from there being any surplus of teachers in the county there is likely to be a continued shortage.