HC Deb 03 April 1969 vol 781 cc641-2
32. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware of the discontent among members of the teaching profession about the decision of the Burnham Committee on salary scales; and whether he will take steps to appoint an independent inquiry to consider the problems facing teachers whose salaries compare unfavourably with members of other professions with similar qualifications.

The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Miss Alice Bacon)

The Burnham Primary and Secondary Committee recently concluded an agreement in free negotiation between the management and teachers' panels. Some teachers are no doubt dissatisfied with the agreement, but it was ratified by most of the teachers' associations and is certainly the best which incomes policy would permit. My right hon. Friend has no plans for an inquiry.

Mr. Shinwell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a substantial number of the National Union of Teachers, which, by a majority, accepted the decision of the Burnham Committee, and the National Association of Schoolmasters and other education bodies have objected to the decision of the Burnham Committee? In some parts of the country education authorities have made an arrangement with members of the National Association of Schoolmasters. There is no victimisation and salaries have been paid. However, the education committee of the Durham County Council is in dispute with the N.A.S., and this has created a great deal of alarm among parents whose children are not being properly educated.

Miss Bacon

My right hon. Friend has a further Question down about the latter part of his supplementary question. However, he is under a misapprehension. It is true that the N.A.S. did not agree with the decision reached by the Burnham Committee, but the National Union of Teachers accepted it at a special conference. Yesterday, my right hon. Friend met, at its request, a deputation from the National Association of Schoolmasters and discussed the matter.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Is the Minister aware that, in addition to being very worried about their salaries, many teachers are also concerned about their career prospects, and therefore there is a good case for an independent inquiry as indicated by the right hon. Gentleman's Question?

Miss Bacon

Yes. If there were a consensus of opinion in favour of an inquiry my right hon. Friend would be prepared to consider it, but at the moment that is not so. As I have said, my right hon. Friend saw the N.A.S. yesterday. Career prospects are bound up with the salary question. It is a very complicated matter and raises the whole question of salaries and so on for men and women.

Sir G. Nabarro

Will the Minister bear in mind that, in the event of an independent inquiry, the vital sector of the teaching profession comprising university staff, the dons and lecturers, ought to be included, for they are writhing in discontent at present at the 3 per cent. basis of increase announced a few months ago?

Miss Bacon

That is another question, because the Burnham Committee did not deal with university teaching staff salaries.