§ 30. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of the negotiations for teachers' pay.
§ Mr. MonroThe Scottish Teachers Salaries Committee has been unable to agree on a recommendation for the revision of teachers' salaries from 1st April, 1972. The matter is being referred to arbitration as provided by the Remuneration of Teachers (Scotland) Act, 1967.
§ Mr. RankinI hope that that will not be used by the Government as a way of escaping from their responsibilities. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the 7 per cent. offered to the teachers this week is certainly not an encouragement to them to continue in the teaching profession? Does he also agree that that kind of figure, in view of the types of rises which are now taking place in other spheres of life, will not be encouraged in any way by the Government if this matter comes to their decision? Can we expect the Government to stand up for a decent wage and salary for all those in the teaching profession?
§ Mr. MonroAll these points will be carefully considered by the arbitration tribunal. The arbiters will be appointed by the Secretary of State for Employment as soon as possible, and we will have to await the report.