§ 12. Major Guy Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, during the present acute need for trained teachers, he will suspend the rule whereby retired teachers returning to duty must lose their pensions.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)The principle generally applicable to public servants who return to public employment after retirement is that the sum they draw from public funds as salary and pension should not exceed the amount of salary at the time of retirement. This usually involves suspension or reduction of the pension for the time being. I regret that I cannot make an exception in favour of teachers.
§ Mr. George ThomasWill my right hon. Friend consult with his colleagues with a view to changing this rule, which was laid down at' a time when there was no acute shortage of teachers? Will he impress upon his colleagues the stupidity of preventing retired people who are still fit from serving in the schools by penalising them if they do so?
§ Mr. WestwoodI do not think there is need for the consultation that is suggested, because the suggestion is based upon a misapprehension. I did point out in the. Debate on Scottish education that, through the emergency training scheme and normal channels of recruiting, a sufficient number of teachers to meet the full need of the schools is expected.
§ Mr. G. ThomasFor what size of classes?