HC Deb 26 February 1959 vol 600 cc1287-8
37. Mr. Paget

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that Northampton Grammar School has been advertising three mathematics and one science vacancy and have had only one applicant, that, in 1954, in response to the national appeal, the governors made provision to expand the teaching of advanced mathematics, but that, owing to the absence of staff, the parents of boys may have been informed that they must discontinue these studies; and if he will permit the Governors to pay allowances above the basic Burnham scale, which will enable them to retain their existing staff and attract new applicants.

Sir E. Boyle

I understand that the governors of this school are advertising future and not existing vacancies, and that they have no intention of discontinuing their advanced courses in mathematics. Allowances above scale salary are payable in accordance with the conditions of the Burnham Report.

Mr. Paget

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that our capacity to maintain qualitative competition in the world depends upon the output of the sixth forms of grammar schools and that throughout the country there are now between 400 and 500 vacancies? Is he aware that in Northampton these vacancies cannot be filled because competitive salaries cannot be offered, and that unless they are offered parents will have to be informed that these studies cannot continue?

Sir E. Boyle

Yes, Sir. We all recognise that it is no good having the best technical colleges in the world unless one has first-class science and mathematics teaching in the secondary schools and in the primary school stages. Salaries must be within the terms of the current Burnham Report.