HC Deb 20 June 1968 vol 766 c1295
27. Mr. Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will send a circular to all local education authorities advising them that membership of an appropriate trade union should be a condition of service for new appointments to their salaried staff.

Mr. Edward Short

Conditions of service in local government are matters for the local authorities.

Mr. Longden

While wishing to encourage every teacher to join the union of his own choice, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he remembers what a predecessor of his did some years ago in connection with the action of the Durham County Council?

Mr. Short

That happened in 1951 when there was a direction under Section 68. It was issued because the Minister felt that the council might not be able to carry out its statutory duties.