§ 22. Mr. Arnold Shawasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the present average male teacher's salary; and what was the figure in 1963.
§ Miss LestorIn 1968 the average salary of men teachers in maintained schools in England and Wales was £1,646. I estimate that the last two pay settlements have raised this figure to about £1,880. The comparable figure at 31st March, 1963, was £1,244.
§ Mr. ShawDoes my hon. Friend agree that there are many on this side of the House who are not yet entirely satisfied with that figure? But does she also agree that under a Labour Government teachers have a far greater chance of getting the rate for the job than they are ever likely to get from the Opposition?
§ Miss LestorI certainly agree with what my hon. Friend has said.
§ Miss Jennie LeeWe do not always agree.
§ Miss LestorThe pay settlement dating from 1st April gave teachers an overall increase of 7.1 per cent. Under the latest agreement they are to receive an increase of £120 a year each from 1st April.