§ 38. Sir M. Galpernasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take in view of the Scottish 400 Schoolmasters' Association's disregard for the basis on which they accepted membership of the National Joint Council on Teachers' Salaries.
§ Mr. NobleI have seen Press statements issued on behalf of the Association in connection with the inaugural meeting on 22nd April of the Scottish Joint Council for Teachers' Salaries, but I do not think that any action on my part is called for at present.
§ Sir M. GalpernDoes the Minister agree that, in view of the lengthy and somewhat complex nature of the negotiations on the National Joint Council for Teachers' Salaries in Scotland and the consequent need for non-publication of interim proceedings, and the fact that the Scottish Schoolmasters' Association accepted membership of the N.J.C. on the basis that it would respect this provision, he ought to take steps to ensure that the criticism which it levelled after the inaugural meeting will not be repeated and to warn the Association that if such action is persisted in the drastic action which I understand is part of the constitution will be put into operation?
§ Mr. NobleI am sure that I and the whole House hope that the bodies on this Council will act in a thoroughly responsible way. I do not think that I should add anything to that at the moment.