15. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Minister of Education if he is aware that the West Riding education authority deducts the salary of its teachers for the days when they are absent on leave for the purpose of taking an examination for a degree, including the Saturday and Sunday if these intervene; how far this practice is general; and if it has the approval of his Department.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe granting of special leave to teachers rests with their employers. I do not know whether local authorities generally, or the West Riding in particular, stop pay on these occasions or not.
Mr. HallWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my Question, which is, whether this practice has the approval of his Department, in view of the fact that local education authorities should do everything to help their teachers to be efficient and should not penalise them?
§ Sir D. EcclesI think one has to leave these matters to the employers. There are many reasons why a teacher might want to go away for two or three days, and I think it is part of the relationship between the local authority and the teacher which of those reasons is recognised as not involving a cut in pay.
§ Sir D. EcclesIt seems sensible to me not so to do so, but I cannot issue directives to the employers.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsWhile the right hon. Gentleman cannot issue directives and while it must be left to the local authority, could he advise local authorities in this sense? That would help.
§ Sir D. EcclesIt is probable that they will read this Question and Answer; and anyhow there has been a change in the council of the West Riding, so perhaps it will be more sympathetic.
§ Mr. C. PannellWill the Minister bear in mind that there are too many circulars going out to local authorities, and particularly directives; and will he bear in mind that if the education service is to be kept a healthy part of local government, there must be an accent on the idea that the local authority is an authority and is not a junior partner of Whitehall?
§ Sir D. EcclesI do have that in mind.