HC Deb 22 May 1958 vol 588 cc1470-1
3. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consult the local authority associations with a view to laying down a nationally uniform scale of remuneration for traffic wardens at school crossings.

Mr. Renton

My right hon. Friend has no power to prescribe a national rate of pay for school crossing patrols. It is primarily for the local authorities themselves to decide whether there shall be any change in the existing arrangements.

Mr. Swingler

Is not the Under-Secretary aware that my Question asked whether he would consult the local authority associations to try to persuade them to agree to a nationally uniform scale? Is he aware that I am perfectly well aware that this is a matter for the local authorities, but will he take the initiative because of the substantial differences that exist between one local authority area and another, and try to persuade the local authority associations to agree to a national system of remunerating these people?

Mr. Renton

This is a matter which is primarily the responsibility of the local authorities. It is for them to say whether they wish any change to be made in the present arrangements. I will, however, bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Mr. Smithers

If my hon. and learned Friend should change his mind about the local authorities, will he draw their attention to the excellent work done in Holland, where school children themselves are taught to undertake these duties, which they do very satisfactorily?