HC Deb 23 June 1955 vol 542 cc1499-500
48. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Education if, in view of the higher salaries paid in industry to scientists, he will consider increasing substantially the salaries of science teachers in schools and colleges, in order to maintain an adequate number in the teaching profession.

The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)

From 1st April authorities could start paying the increased allowances recommended by the Burnham Committee for teachers of advanced work. I am asking authorities to let me have, by October, particulars of the revised payments they are making, and I am hopeful that these recent increases will provide a good inducement of the sort that my hon. Friend has in mind.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the very much higher salaries which are being offered to teachers by industrialists, will my right hon. Friend consider this question carefully, because it is felt in educational circles that the supply of science teachers will dry up, to the detriment of the whole country?

Sir D. Eccles

We cannot go in for a competition with industry in the matter of the salaries of scientists, because we should lose it. As a matter of fact, the supply is slightly better at the present time. I agree with my hon. Friend that teaching must not in any case become a depressed career, but I do not think that it will be if these new allowances are paid.

Mr. J. Johnson

Is the Minister aware that the differentials which he has introduced so far are causing some dissatisfaction in the teaching profession, and that he will have to be awfully careful how far he goes in this matter?

Sir D. Eccles

It is because I want to see how these new allowances are working out that I have called for full information by October.