§ 20. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Education what conversation he had with the representatives of the National Union of Teachers before he decided to increase their rate of contribution to the Teachers' Superannuation Fund.
§ Sir D. EcclesI have met representatives of the National Union of Teachers four times this year to discuss teachers' pensions. On the last occasion I put before them the Government's proposals and they undertook to consult their members on them.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs it not a fact that the 6 per cent. contribution the Minister is now suggesting is exactly the same as that put forward last year by his predecessor, which was shelved in face of the unanimous opposition of all teaching unions? Does he intend to press on with what is virtually a wage cut in the teaching profession? Does he consider that this is an incentive to young teachers entering the profession?
§ Sir D. EcclesSix per cent. is always 6 per cent., but in this case the benefits for the teachers are substantially greater than they were in the 1954 Bill. For example, the Government are undertaking to wipe off the whole of the accumulated deficiency up to next March, which is nearly £100 million more than was offered before. Secondly, the employers are taking on themselves the entire responsibility for any future deficiencies, which, if at any time teachers' salaries go up, or teachers happen to live longer than the actuary's forecast, are bound to recur.