HC Deb 11 December 1969 vol 793 cc622-3
13. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made in devising better machinery for the negotiation of university teachers' salaries.

Mr. Fowler

A number of suggestions have been examined, and I am today having another meeting with the parties most concerned.

Mr. Lane

Now that the White Paper on Prices and Incomes Policy is about to be published, as it has been delaying this matter hitherto and in view of the great dependence on university teachers for the development of higher education is the 'seventies, can the hon. Gentleman undertake that higher priority will be given by the Department to seeking a solution to this problem than has been given in the last few months?

Mr. Fowler

I think the hon. Member is misinformed. The Department has always given priority to this. I certainly give it very high prority. On the other hand, I also recognise that it is a very difficult problem. It will be difficult to find a solution which will be acceptable to all parties, but we shall certainly try.