HC Deb 02 May 1963 vol 676 cc1295-7
22. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Education to what extent widowed mothers with the necessary educational qualifications whose children have reached the age of 18 years are encouraged to return to the teaching profession.

Sir E. Boyle

It is my policy to encourage married women teachers, including those mentioned by the hon. Lady, to return to the schools as soon as they think it right to do so in the light of their family commitments. The teacher training colleges welcome older applicants, both men and women, who have the necessary educational qualifications and can offer a substantial period of service in the schools.

Dame Irene Ward

I thank my right hon. Friend for that sympathetic reply. Has he yet received a reply from the Cabinet to the representations that he has made about the disability of the application of the earnings rule to widows' pensions when they re-enter the education service? Is he aware of the disadvantage that widows are under compared with married women? When will my right hon. Friend receive this answer from the Cabinet, and when can we expect action in order that widows may be as fairly treated in this field as married women?

Sir E. Boyle

Matters relating to widows' pensions are, in the first instance, for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, but, with my right hon. Friend, I will take note of the point which my hon. Friend has made.

Mrs. White

Surely the Minister appreciates that, if he wants widows who will be very suitable as teachers to return to the teaching profession, he must do something about it and take up this most serious grievance?

Sir E. Boyle

I realise the importance which hon. Ladies and hon. Gentlemen generally on both sides of the House attach to this matter, and I will bear it in mind.

Dame Irene Ward

Has my right hon. Friend yet raised this point in the Cabinet, because, if the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance is asked about it, he says that it is the responsibility of the Minister of Education? I am sick of this passing the buck.

Sir E. Boyle

I apologise to my hon. Friend, but it would not be proper for me to say what either or both of us raised in the Cabinet at one time or another.

Mr. Driberg

Does the Minister consider that the answers which he has given today measure up to the high rhetoric of his party political broadcast last night?

Sir E. Boyle

That matter is better decided by the House than by me.