HC Deb 23 November 1954 vol 533 cc1035-6
19. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes were made in the annual increments of lecturers and assistant lecturers under the new scale of academic salaries recently announced.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The additional funds which I shall ask Parliament to vote will provide for certain increases in basic salaries but not for any change in the rate of annual increments received by assistant lecturers and lecturers.

Mr. Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the main disappointment with the scales which he announced last week lies in this continued differentiation between pre-clinical and non-medical staff, not only in the increments but also in the basic salaries? Is the aware that some pre-clinical professors refuse to accept the additional amount to which they are entitled because they believe this differentiation to be unfair? In those circumstances, does he think that the differentiation can still be justified?

Mr. Butler

I am aware of anxieties, just as I was before these scales were brought out. In the circumstances I think they are about as fair as we can get. At any rate, I have accepted them and I propose to ask Parliament to vote the money to carry them through.

Mr. Marquand

Can the Chancellor tell us how these proposed salaries for lecturers in science compare with payments offered by industry in similar circumstances? Is there not a danger of the whole source of scientific personnel in this country drying up if sufficient payment is not made in schools and universities to scientific teachers?

Mr. Butler

These improvements have been introduced in the university scales, and I hope that they will slightly improve the position. Both in the case of schools, where the problem is also acute, and in the case of universities, there is competition from industry, which means that the situation concerning science teachers at both schools and universities is very difficult.

Mr. Woodburn

Is not the solution to enable more children who are capable of taking this type of course to come up through the ranks and fill these posts, instead of drifting into occupations where their talents are not fully used?

Mr. Butler

I think there is something to be said for that, and I will certainly bring it to the attention of the Minister of Education.