§ 26. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Education what negotiating machinery he has established for salary scales of teachers in colleges of advanced technology.
§ Sir E. BoyleNo permanent negotiating machinery has yet been set up. A decision on the most appropriate procedure for future salary negotiations will have to take into account both the findings of the National Incomes Commission on the pay of C.A.T. teachers and the recommendations of Lord Robbins' Committee on the future status of these colleges. I am, however, always ready to consult the teachers' associations and the governing bodies and principals of the colleges on any salary matters which arise in the interim.
§ Mr. WilleyIn view of the present difficulties, will not the Minister recognise that even if it were provisional it would be far better to establish recognised procedures for such negotiations?
§ Sir E. BoyleWith respect to the hon. Member, I think that it would be very difficult to do this here and now. It will obviously make a big difference, as regards the form of salary negotiations, whether or not the National Incomes Commission recommend that the salary structure for C.A.T.s should be identical with that of the universities. To reach 1404 conclusions in advance of the Commission's recommendations would be unwise.
§ Mr. WilleyHe may be facing difficulties, but surely the right hon. Gentleman recognises that when he has just made an award affecting colleges of advanced technology it would be far better if such negotiations had recognised machinery within which they could be conducted? Notwithstanding that it would be an interim decision, it would be far better to try to reach agreement with representative bodies to provide for recognised and accepted methods of negotiation.
§ Sir E. BoyleMy own feeling is that an interim award and interim payment is one thing, but an interim form of negotiation would be another. I do not think that it would be wise now.