§ 6. Captain W. Elliotasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has to review pay and conditions of the supervisors employed in children's residential special schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellNone, Sir. This is a matter for employing authorities who, I understand, normally apply the scales and conditions negotiated for comparable types of staff through the appropriate Whitley machinery.
§ Captain ElliotIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that is a thoroughly unsatisfactory reply? Would he not agree that the work of these supervisors is both responsible and difficult? Is he aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction in the service about the salary scales and conditions? Is he also aware that there are great differences in salaries paid by boroughs and counties? Would he not reconsider this subject, and also consider the possibility of appointing some committee of inquiry into the whole matter?
§ Mr. HowellThe latter point is another question. I am not aware that an Answer that is merely factual can be unsatisfactory. The fact is that this is a matter for the joint negotiating machinery, over which we have no direct departmental control.
§ Captain ElliotIn view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply to the Question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.