HC Deb 23 November 1950 vol 481 cc488-9
21. Mrs. Castle

asked the Minister of Education whether be will withhold his approval to the revised scales of teachers' salaries in so far as they widen the differential between rates of pay for men and women.

25. Miss Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction among the teaching profession over the proposed increase in the differential between men and women teachers; and if he will refuse to confirm the Burnham proposals while this anomaly is included.

Mr. Tomlinson

I cannot yet say anything about my attitude to the Burnham Committee's recommendations, which have not yet been submitted to me.

Mrs. Castle

When these proposals are submitted to my right hon. Friend will he bear in mind that women teachers feel greatly indignant about them, and that they feel the time has come for a step to be taken towards equal pay, and certainly not for a step away from that? Will my right hon. Friend do something to implement their wishes in his treatment of the proposals?

Mr. Tomlinson

I will certainly take into consideration all the points that have been referred to me when the Burnham Committee's report reaches me.

Miss Ward

Will the right hon. Gentleman, when the proposals do reach him, bear in mind the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Government's approach to equal pay for equal work?

Mr. Tomlinson

I should not like to pledge myself to take into consideration all the things the Chancellor has said, when dealing with one particular matter.