HC Deb 28 July 1955 vol 544 cc1326-7
15. Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked 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. Eccles

The 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. Hall

Will 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. Eccles

I 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.

Mr. Hall

But why include Saturday and Sunday which in any case are days when a man is not teaching?

Sir D. Eccles

It seems sensible to me not so to do so, but I cannot issue directives to the employers.

Mr. J. Edwards

While 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. Eccles

It 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. Pannell

Will 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. Eccles

I do have that in mind.