HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc573-4
56. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Education whether she will set up a committee to consider generally the salaries, conditions and professional status of teachers.

Miss Horsbrugh

No, Sir. It is the function of the Burnham Committees which have been set up under Section 89 of the Education Act, 1944, to consider and make recommendations on the subject of teachers' salaries.

Mr. Willey

I fully recognise the importance of the work of the Burnham Committees, but does the Minister appreciate that, owing to the very desirable widening of access to other professions, there is a case for improving the general status of the teaching profession?

Miss Horsbrugh

I do not think that the suggestion which the hon. Member makes will go very far towards improving the status of the teaching profession. Its status has been increased, and those who are serving on the Burnham Committees are looking into the question.

Mr. K. Thompson

Is the Minister aware that there is not universal satisfaction with the make up of the present Burnham Committees? Will she keep that part of this subject under review?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think we would all agree that there is not absolutely universal agreement within many committees, but that these Committees with their panels of employers and employees, are doing their work extremely well.

Sir W. Smithers

On behalf of myself and the whole House, I should like to be allowed, if I may, to congratulate you, Sir, on your very nice Christmas present—the arrival of your grandson.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The intervention of the hon. Member was highly irregular, but very agreeable.