HC Deb 07 April 1960 vol 621 cc549-50
22. Mrs. Hart

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the representations, a copy of which has been sent to him, of the Association of University Teachers, as expressed to the University Grants Committee, that no new proposals concerning the salaries of university teachers should include further differentials beyond those at present existing between teachers of medical and non-medical subjects; and what action he proposes to take in this regard.

Sir E. Boyle

My right hon. Friend is aware of these representations. He is at present considering the advice which he has received from the University Grants Committee on university academic salaries generally, and he has no statement to make.

Mrs. Hart

Will the hon. Member inform his right hon. Friend of the very serious concern felt in all branches of the universities on this matter? They very much hope that he will not think it reasonable to introduce further differentials and that he will pay regard to the fact that the university staffs have other suggestions to make, including the creation of more higher posts, to solve the problem of recruitment for branches which are in short supply?

Sir E. Boyle

I cannot add to my Answer, but I can assure the hon. Lady that I am in close touch with this subject and that my right hon. Friend himself is considering it carefully.

23. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals for differential remuneration of university teachers according to subject or faculty have been made to him by the University Grants Committee in the course of the current negotiations on university salaries; and to what extent he accepts the principle of further differentiation.

Sir E. Boyle

As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 1st April, he is considering the advice which the University Grants Committee has given him on university academic salaries generally. I cannot say more at this stage.

Mr. Robinson

Can the hon. Gentleman at least say whether this proposal has been made? Will he take note of the widespread dismay in the universities about the rumours of the proposal, particularly with regard to the difficulties which have already arisen out of the differentiation between pre-clinical and non-medical salaries? Will the hon. Member think very carefully before he accepts any suggestions of this kind?

Sir E. Boyle

I would rather not add to my Answer, but I can assure the hon. Member and the hon. Lady the Member for Lanark (Mrs. Hart) that these points are very much in our minds and that we are well aware of the matter to which he has referred.