§ 36. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the working of the new procedure for regulating the salaries of university teachers.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI understand that, after discussions between the Committee of the Vice-Chancellors and Principals and the Association of University Teachers, each of these bodies has met the University 216 Grants Committee and given it a full statement of their views on the need for a review of academic salaries. My right hon. Friend now awaits a report from the University Grants Committee.
The procedure outlined to the House on 20th July last year is, therefore, operating in the manner then envisaged.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is operating very slowly indeed? Is he further aware that university teachers view with concern the increases in salaries obtained recently by civil servants and by teachers in schools and technical colleges, while their own salaries lag behind? Can he give any indication that some result will emerge before very long from these negotiations?
§ Mr. BrookeThe hon. Gentleman knows that we do not interfere with the affairs of the University Grants Committee. The University Grants Committee will in due course, and as soon as it is in a position to do so, be submitting a report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and that is the time when the Chancellor of the Exchequer can give consideration to the matter.
§ Mr. HastingsWill the right hon. Gentleman give special consideration to salaries of professors of medicine and surgery? These compare badly with sums earned outside and tend to withdraw from professorships some of the best men in the service.
§ Mr. BrookeI realise that a number of different and sometimes conflicting views are held about the relative salaries earned by various people. I think we have got a fairly good procedure now, and in due course the Chancellor will be considering the report, when he receives it.