HC Deb 28 January 1954 vol 522 cc1943-5
18. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the recent agreement concluded by the National Association of Local Government Officers making pay increases equal between men and women, she will apply the same principle in respect of the recent award for teachers

Miss Horsbrugh

As I told the House last week, I have already informed the Chairman of the Burnham Committee that the revised scales proposed for teachers in primary and secondary schools are such as I shall be able to approve. The revised scales proposed by the Committee retain the same ratio as before between men and women.

Miss Ward

My right hon. Friend has not dealt with the Question on the Order Paper. If, in one section of local government employees, the Treasury is prepared to pay men and women equal increases in rates of pay, why, as a matter of justice, cannot my right hon. Friend now approach the Chancellor of the Exchequer in order that there may be equality between one service and another, both of which involve Treasury grants? Is it not monstrously unfair that one section should be paid on equal rates by the Treasury while another section, equally deserving, is not?

Miss Horsbrugh

I do not approach the Treasury on the subject of teachers' salaries.

Miss Ward

But my right hon. Friend can do so.

Miss Horsbrugh

I have either to approve or reject what the Burnham Committee decides. In this case, I have approved. As my hon. Friend will have noticed, the Burnham Committee also stated that if and when Government action is taken to operate equal pay for the Civil Service, it will consider the position in relation to teachers.

Miss Ward

On a point of order. When I put the Question on the Order Paper, I understand that it was in order—that my right hon. Friend can take action. If that- were not so, I should not have been permitted to put the Question on the Order Paper. In other words, my right hon. Friend can take action without referring to the Burnham Committee.

Miss Bacon

While I agree with the right hon. Lady that the Burnham Committee is the proper negotiating machinery for teachers' salaries, may I ask whether she is not aware that that Committee refrains from putting forward a policy of equal pay for men and women until the Chancellor of the Exchequer does something in the case of civil servants? Will she therefore make representations to her right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer that he should bring forward a policy of equal pay for men and women in the Government service? The Burnham Committee will then follow suit.

Miss Horsbrugh

The question of equal pay for men and women in the Government service is one which must be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. My position with the Burnham Committee's award is that I can either approve the whole or reject the whole. I cannot amend it.

Miss Ward

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter as early as possible on the Adjournment.