HC Deb 04 May 1944 vol 399 cc1463-4
36. Sir John Mellor

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the present constitution of the Burnham Committees; what changes are proposed by him; and what consultation has taken place with minorities of teachers.

The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Butler)

There are at present three Burnham Committees, consisting of representatives of local education authorities and of teachers, which deal with the salaries of teachers in elementary, secondary and technical schools respectively. In view of the provision of the Education Bill I have taken steps to replace the existing three committees by two committees, one of which will deal with salaries in primary and secondary schools and in young people's colleges, and the other to deal with salaries in senior technical and similar institutions. I have decided not to make any change in the present basis of representation, which has been in force since the inception of the committees, other than to provide for the separate representation of Wales upon the authorities' panels. Full consideration has been given to minority views.

Sir J. Mellor

Will the National Association of School Masters, which has 10,000 members, be represented under the new arrangement?

Mr. Butler

No, representation will continue on the existing basis, which has been in force for some time.

Sir J. Mellor

Why will they not be represented?

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that uncertificated teachers are adequately represented?

Mr. Butler

I am satisfied that the teachers' interests have been well served for the last 20 years or more.

Sir J. Mellor

Do not the numbers of the National Association of School Masters justify their representation?

Mr. Butler

This is a very difficult matter to deal with by question and answer. The fact is that the Burnham machinery has worked well. The present arrangements take the teachers' point of view fully into account. I am satisfied, after examination over a long period, that if we altered the system of representation, the Burnham machinery would not work as well as it does.