HC Deb 26 February 1948 vol 447 cc2091-2
1. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that teachers of swimming in schools are not now being given the Burnham scale of salaries nor are they entitled to any superannuation; that this is causing hardship and is prejudicial to the teaching of swimming in schools; and will he make a statement as to the emoluments and future prospects of such teachers.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Tomlinson)

Swimming instruction is normally given by regular members of the school staff who have, in addition to their general training, taken a course of specialised training in the subject or have other suitable experience. If, however, a full-time teacher of swimming is appointed to a school his salary falls under the appropriate scale prescribed by the Burnham Reports. Full-time service by swimming instructors may be treated as contributory service under the Superannuation Acts.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Minister aware that, unless the interests of swimming teachers are safeguarded, a large proportion of the population will be unable to keep their heads above water, especially at sea?

6. Mr. Price-White

asked the Minister of Education whether it is his intention to implement or postpone the recent recommendations of the Burnham Committee regarding salary scales increases for teachers in primary and secondary schools and establishments in view of the Government White Paper on Wages and Prices.

Mr. Tomlinson

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 5th February. My approval of the Burnham Committee's recommendations was given before the issue of the White Paper. In any case I do not find any conflict between the proposed new scales and the principles of the White Paper such as would have caused me to modify my decision.

Mr. Price-White

By that does the Minister intend to convey that local education authorities may proceed to estimate on the basis that these scales will be payable for the next 12 months?

Mr. Tomlinson

The scale comes into operation in April, and the education authorities have been doing that for some time.