HC Deb 31 March 1953 vol 513 cc1018-9
26. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that school teachers regard his proposal to amend the Teachers' Superannuation Scheme as a cut in salary; and, in view of the likely detrimental effect of this step on increased recruitment to the profession, what steps he is considering to offset such results.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

My right hon. Friend is postponing further action on his proposals for the present, as he understands that the teachers and their employers have agreed to set up a working party to review the Teachers' Superannuation Scheme as a whole, in the light of the proposals made last July and of proposals for a scheme of pensions for widows and dependants which the teachers favour. He has arranged to give the working party such help as he can, and if they can let him have their recommendations quickly, he will await them before anything further is done.

Mr. Hamilton

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him if he could indicate why the teachers were not asked to enter into the negotiations in the first place, and why were the teachers, of all the professional bodies with superannuation schemes, singled out for this particular amendment?

Mr. Stewart

It is a reasonable argument to say that they might have been consulted a little earlier. They are now getting ample opportunity to be consulted. We are awaiting with interest their advice, and I very much hope that we can agree about something.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the teachers regard this as a cut in their salary, and that no scheme is likely to be successful which implies that at this time, when other people are receiving increases, the teachers are to receive a decrease; and is he further aware that he would be more successful in his negotiations with the teachers if the scheme submitted to them appeared somewhat more reasonable?

Mr. Stewart

It is to get a scheme which appears more reasonable that the working party has been set up. As I have said, I look forward to the recommendations of the working party.

Mr. Steele

Will this working party be concerned only with the position in Scotland, or will it be a United Kingdom working party?

Mr. Stewart

A similar working party is being set up in England, and I understand that close liaison will be kept between the two bodies.