HC Deb 15 March 1955 vol 538 cc1115-7
18. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on behalf of Chapter VI Diploma Teachers in Further Education; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. J. Stuart

It has been claimed that the qualifications of these teachers entitle them to be classified in a higher group than is proposed in the draft of the Teachers' Salaries (Scotland) (Amendment No. 1) Regulations, 1955. This claim is being discussed with representatives of the National Joint Council today, and my decision will be incorporated in Regulations which I hope to lay before the House before the end of this month.

Major Anstruther-Gray

May I take it from that reply that my right hon. Friend will not dismiss the claim of this section of teachers without due consideration?

Mr. Stuart

Certainly I should not dismiss it, but I should prefer not to comment at this stage.

Mr. Woodburn

May I take it from that that the Secretary of State is not definite about the draft regulations, that they will, if necessary, be amended before they are presented to the House, and that he will consider any representations made to him as to their modification?

Mr. Stuart

Yes, I should certainly take all representations into consideration.

19. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now made a decision concerning the monthly payment of teachers' pensions as a result of the representations made to him by the Educational Institute of Scotland.

Mr. J. Stuart

Not yet. As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson) on 14th December, this matter can be raised in the course of the discussions on teachers' superannuation with the teachers and local authorities which started on 16th February.

Mr. Willis

In view of the very long time that this matter has been under consideration, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is time he made a decision? What are the difficulties which prevent him from making a decision?

Mr. Stuart

The hon. Member must be aware of some of the difficulties in view of the Bill which was before the House in the previous Session. Other important matters have to be considered in addition to that which the hon. Member has raised in this Question. I do not think that the particular matter to which his Question refers should be treated in isolation.