HC Deb 20 January 1949 vol 460 cc312-3
15. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Education what progress has now been made with the claim for the extension of London area scales of teachers' salaries to teachers in Kingston, Surbiton and district.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Tomlinson)

I have received a letter making the claim to which the hon. Member refers and I have replied that the matter received full consideration recently by the Burnham Committee, and I see no sufficient grounds for asking that Committee to consider it afresh.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is it a fact that the Burnham Committee was unable to come to any definite decision one way or another? Is it not also a fact that this matter has been under discussion for 11 years now, and that the right hon. Gentleman's Department is still under the pathetic illusion that the cost-of-living in Kingston is less than in Richmond, Wimbledon and Twickenham? Is it not time to come up to date?

Mr. Tomlinson

It has been under discussion not for 11 years but, to my knowledge, 20 years. All the time this difficulty of differentiating in the area has been apparent. What was discussed on the last occasion by the Burnham Committee was the Local Government Boundary Commission Report, and it was decided that they would consider this matter afresh when the Report of the Boundary Commission had been implemented.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Will the Minister give an undertaking that as soon as that Report is available the matter will be reconsidered afresh and not left for another 20 years?

Mr. Tomlinson

I did not say available, I said implemented.