§ 29. Mr. Wyattasked the Minister of Education whether he will arrange for a local cost-of-living allowance to be paid to teachers in Birmingham in order to induce teachers to take up posts in that city.
§ The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)I am much concerned about Birmingham's difficulties, and expect shortly to discuss them with the authority. But I could only do as the hon. Member suggests on the recommendations of the Burnham Committee. In 1953, this Committee decided, after consideration of the conditions in Birmingham, that special provincial allowances should not be paid to teachers simply because they worked in difficult areas.
§ Mr. WyattWill the Minister bear in mind that at present more teachers are leaving than are being engaged? Resignations exceed new engagements, and 1103 something very urgent and drastic needs to be done if the position is even to be held.
§ Sir D. EcclesI fully realise the position. That is why I am going to have a talk with the authority.
§ Mr. ShurmerIs the Minister aware that Birmingham, now being short of teachers, draws many of its young men and women from outside the city, and that as a result of the shortage of housing accommodation they have to spend a large part of their salaries in paying for rooms and lodgings? That is the great difficulty in Birmingham today, and the right hon. Gentleman ought to do something to help us to get teachers for our overcrowded schools, and to give them a chance to live in Birmingham—not exist.
§ Sir D. EcclesI intend to discuss the housing position with the authority.