§ 33. Mr. Hollisasked the Minister of Education whether he will make, or publish, a statement on the various schemes by which local education authorities are proposing to pay the special allowances for teachers recommended in the Burnham Award.
§ Mr. HardmanNo. Sir. This matter is one for decision by individual local education authorities within the broad rules laid down in the Burnham Reports, and 2484 my right hon. Friend considers that it would be premature for him to make inquiries at this stage about their intentions.
§ Mr. HollisI am perfectly well aware of that, but it is not an answer to my Question. I am aware that this is a matter for the local education authorities, but a new principle of decision of great importance rests upon it. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at least three local education authorities have said that they would be glad to know how other education authorities are dealing with this problem, so that they can take tips from them? I am not asking the Minister to interfere but to make available information, so that one local education authority can know what another is doing.
§ Mr. HardmanEducation authorities have their own associations. They are constantly exchanging information at their conferences and executive meetings, and through their journal called "Education." There is no question of their failing to get tips from each other.