§ 18. Mr. Montgomeryasked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the widespread discontent amongst schoolmasters at the inadequacy of their basic salary scale and with the machinery for the negotiation of their salaries; and whether he will set up an independent committee of inquiry.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe Burnham Committee, which is the statutory machinery for dealing with teachers' salaries is now beginning negotiations for revised scales. The teachers panel is constituted to 773 represent all categories of teachers in the various types of school and I have no doubt will have regard to all their interests. I can see no need for the appointment of an independent committee of inquiry.
§ Mr. MontgomeryAre we then to assume that my right hon. Friend is content with arrangements which are regarded as unsatisfactory by a very substantial minority of the teaching profession?
§ Sir D. EcclesThe answer is, "Yes". The Act lays on me the duty of promoting the education of the people of England and Wales. Part of a satisfactory system is a fair and workmanlike machinery for reviewing teachers' salaries. In my view, the Burnham Committee as it is now constituted meets that requirement.