HC Deb 24 January 1956 vol 548 cc7-8
7. Sir J. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the next review of teachers' salaries in Scotland will take place.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The Regulations at present in operation expire on 31st March, 1957. The National Joint Council has begun to consider its recommendations for the new Regulations and my right hon. Friend has told it that if it can reach an early agreement he will bring new Regulations into operation sooner. If the Council does not reach an early agreement and instead recommends an interim increase he will amend the present Regulations.

Mr. Woodburn

Have the Government made up their mind that the teachers must have a rise in salary in order to facilitate the passing of the Teachers (Superannuation) Bill? Is this the reason why the Government have now made up their mind that if this body recommends an increase it will come into force immediately? Can the hon. Gentleman not take any more direct steps to get this matter settled?

Mr. Stewart

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the procedure, which has been long established, and which he himself operated, is that we receive recommendations from the National Joint Council. While that procedure exists, I think we ought to stand by it.