HC Deb 03 July 1963 vol 680 cc371-2
36. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that classes of children are sitting without being taught for hours at a time in Coatbridge; and what steps he proposes to take to offset the teaching shortage which is responsible for this.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Although real difficulties arise from the shortage of teachers I am informed by Lanarkshire education authority that it is not aware of a situation in Coatbridge such as that which the hon. Member describes.

Mr. Dempsey

Does the Under-secretary realise that she has been wrongly informed, because I have been to the school and had this information vetted? Does she realise that a proposal to give an additional £50 to neighbouring teachers is bound to worsen the situation which exists due to the grave shortage of teachers? Will she not face the realities of the position by introducing adequate remuneration for members of the teaching profession to try to remedy this regrettable situation?

Lady Tweedsmuir

As I said earlier, the education authority has no infor- mation that there is a situation of the kind which the hon. Gentleman suggests exists in Coatbridge. We wrote to him on 27th June and asked if he would be good enough to give us specific particulars, in which case the education authority would certainly look into the matter.

On the second point—the proposal for an extra £50 to teachers within the Glasgow area—representations have been made about the draft salaries regulations, and my right hon. Friend is now considering the matter.