HC Deb 13 February 1973 vol 850 cc1127-8
15. Mr. Jay

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will resist proposals by the EEC for regulating professional standards and qualifications in the United Kingdom.

25. Mr. Body

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps the Government intend to take to resist proposals by the EEC for regulating professional standards and qualifications in the United Kingdom.

Mrs. Thatcher

Our attitude towards specific EEC proposals in this field will be determined after full consultation with the United Kingdom interests which would be affected.

Mr. Jay

Is the right hon. Lady aware that a great deal of concern has been expressed about this matter, notably by Lord Bowden of Manchester University? Will she undertake not merely to consult but to be guided by the professional bodies concerned before giving way to these damaging proposals?

Mrs. Thatcher

Yes. I have read Lord Bowden's speech. Indeed, I was at the same conference. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that we are in full consultation with the particular United Kingdom interests, which would include the professional bodies, as the question of recognition of each qualification comes up.

Mr. Edward Taylor

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Scotland there is great concern that harmonising with the EEC might result in the harmonising of standards between Scotland and England? Bearing in mind that traditionally Scotland has had graduate secondary school teachers, which we regard as very important, may I ask my right hon. Friend to assure us that she will take fully into account the interests of Scotland before any move is made?

Mrs. Thatcher

It would be difficult in this House not to take the interests of Scotland fully into account. I am sure that my hon. Friend will be pleased to know that we in England are tagging after Scotland in aiming at a fully graduate teaching profession.

Mr. Moyle

Will the right hon. Lady take the matter further and undertake that the British Government will have nothing to do with the standardising of professional qualifications on the basis of hours of instruction?

Mrs. Thatcher

I think that what I have said is correct. We are looking at each directive as it somes up, making our full contribution to it and consulting each of the professional interests. I cannot go further than that.