HC Deb 31 May 1951 vol 488 cc379-80
10. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Education what decisions were taken at the meeting over which he presided between the representatives of the Durham County Council and the National Union of Teachers to discuss matters arising out of the appointment of teachers by the Durham education authority.

Mr. Tomlinson

The representatives of the County Council assured me once more that they would comply with the directive I had given them both in the letter and in the spirit. On this basis, the representatives of the teachers' organisations offered to intensify their efforts to secure among teachers employed by the Council full membership of their appropriate union or professional organisation. This offer was accepted by the Council's representatives, while the teachers' representatives accepted, on the same basis, a suggestion of the Council's representatives that arrangements should be made for representatives of both sides to meet for the purpose of discussing questions of common interest and of fostering good relations between them.

Miss Ward

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there will be no delay in the appointment of teachers? Does he peruse local Press cuttings and statements that are made from time to time on these matters?

Mr. Awbery

Can we have an assurance that this does not interfere with the right of working men, in the teaching profession or any other, to strike against anybody in the profession who refuses to join their organisation?