§ 8. Mr. Randallasked the Minister of Education if she is aware that there are uncertified male teachers with family responsibilities who, at the present time, are earning £3 9s. a week, less deductions, which salary is below the general level of wages in industry; and whether she will take steps to remunerate such persons with a salary more in keeping with their abilities, qualifications, and work performed, thus encouraging them to remain in the profession.
§ Miss WilkinsonThe salary prescribed in the Burnham Report for unqualified men teachers is the scale of £180 to £300 per year and for temporary men teachers the scale of £180 to £228, in both cases with annual increments of £12. The figure quoted by my hon. Friend represents the minimum of these scales, but as annual increments can be allowed for previous experience and for war service the large majority of teachers in these categories enter the scales at salaries above their minimum.
§ Mr. RandallIs my right hon. Friend satisfied in all conscience that the wage being paid is the rate for the job, and how can she possibly defend the very low rate of pay given to the teacher to whom I have referred?
§ Miss WilkinsonIt is the wage fixed by the Burnham Committee, which is a Committee representing the trade union —the teachers—and the employers, and they have come to an agreement. I would point out, however, that in certain cases it may well be that teachers do not realise, especially those who have come back from the Army, that they can get increments for war service. If they will write to me about that I will see to it.
Mrs. ManningCan my right hon. Friend explain how any scale with a minimum of £180 and increments of £12 a year up to £300 and later to £500 can mean that a man gets only £3 9s. a month less deductions—[HON. MEMBERS: "A week."]—I am sorry, a week?