HC Deb 16 July 1969 vol 787 cc605-6
33. Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of the review of the General Teaching Council.

Mr. Ross

I have nothing to add to my reply of 1st July to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor).—[Vol. 786, c. 72.]

Mrs. Ewing

In view of the urgency of the situation in that some hundreds of teachers have not registered under the G.T.C., will the right hon. Gentleman promise to press for a review in order to try to keep every one of these vital teachers on the payroll?

Mr. Ross

It is not a question of my pressing for a review; I have instituted the review. I have received representations from many organisations and individuals in respect of many aspects of the G.T.C. The final date for the receipt of representations was 30th June, but I am not being entirely rigid about that. If anyone has missed the date, I shall still be pleased to hear from him. I hope to make a statement on this subject, probably in the autumn.

Mr. MacArthur

Will the Secretary of State assure the House that he will treat this review with the utmost possible urgency in view of the need, as soon as possible, to assist in the harmonious establishment of the G.T.C.?

Mr. Ross

Yes, Sir. But I do not think that in this case speed is necessarily the right thing. We want urgency in relation to the adequacy of consultation and the depth of consideration to be given.