HC Deb 21 February 1973 vol 851 cc467-8
22. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for offering reinstatement and full compensation for wrongful dismissal to teachers who were dismissed from their employment for failure to register with the General Teaching Council, following the judgment of the Court of Session that his predecessor was actingultra viresin changing the conditions of employment of teachers who already possessed the recognised qualification to teach.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I have lodged an appeal and I am advised that until it has been decided the requirements concerning registration remain in force. Considerations of the kind which my hon. Friend has mentioned do not therefore arise at the moment.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Now that the Court of Session has decided that the right hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross) was acting entirely improperly in requiring local authorities unilaterally to change the conditions of employment of experienced teachers in their employ, surely it is time that the Scottish Education Department stopped this witch-hunt against a small minority of teachers, recognised that they have been improperly dismissed from their employment and granted them the compensation to which they are due.

Mr. Campbell

I understand the feelings actuating my hon. Friend's remarks. However, Governments have seen it as their duty whenever doubt has been thrown by a court decision upon the interpretation of a Statute to have the decision tested by taking it to a higher judicial authority, in this case the Inner House of the Court of Session. That is what I have felt it right to do.

Mr. Sproat

How many teachers were dismissed as a result? Will my right hon. Friend also find out, if he cannot say now, how many have left the profession altogether and how many have emigrated to teach in schools abroad?

Mr. Campbell

I could not give those figures without notice. I will make inquiries and let my hon. Friend know.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of those replies, I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.