HC Deb 22 October 1953 vol 518 cc2126-7
12. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Education in how many technical colleges in England and Wales equal pay for men and women teachers operates.

Miss Horsbrugh

In technical colleges maintained by local education authorities the salary scales for full-time teachers are those prescribed in the Burnham Technical Report, which makes no provision for equal pay for men and women. The fixing of salaries of part-time teachers is the responsibility of local education authorities, and I have no precise information on the rates paid. I understand, however, that some authorities give equal pay to part-time men and women teachers.

Miss Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Secretary of State for Scotland has negotiated equal pay in the Royal Technical College, Glasgow? If equal pay can be paid in that college why is it not possible, as it is a charge on the Exchequer, for the same privilege to be extended to technical colleges in this country? Will my right hon. Friend kindly look into it?

Miss Horsbrugh

I have already informed my hon. Friend that the salary scales for full-time teachers in the technical colleges are prescribed in the Burnham Technical Report, and I am going by those salary scales.