§ 21. Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions she has had with leaders of the teachers' unions about the composition of the Burnham Committee; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI have discussed this question in recent months with representatives of several teacher associations. I have no statement to make at present.
§ Mr. HaselhurstFrom such figures as are available, can it be inferred that the present representation does not accurately reflect the present size and variety of teachers' unions? May I ask my right hon. Friend whether she will take the initiative in negotiations for changes?
§ Mrs. ThatcherIt is not easy to get the precise proportions in which the unions represent the teachers, because I have no power to demand specific figures of numbers in the several unions, although the National Association of Schoolmasters voluntarily supplies them. I would agree with my hon. Friend that women are certainly very under-represented by 240 women on the teachers' panel, but I hope to have a statement to make within the next few weeks or months.