HC Deb 29 January 1974 vol 868 cc220-1
2. Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will now agree to meet London teachers to discuss the London teachers' allowance.

The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mrs. Margaret Thatcher)

I discussed the London area payment with a deputation from the National Union of Teachers on 7th January. My noble Friend met representatives of the London Head Teachers' Association on 16th January.

Mr. Deakins

In view of the growing deterioration of the education service in Greater London caused by the inadequate London allowance and the recent report from the Family Expenditure Survey showing that the average cost of living for a family in Greater London is at least £7 a week higher than it is in the rest of the country, will the Secretary of State do two things? First, will she urge the Pay Board to speed up its report as a matter of extreme urgency? Secondly, will she emphasise to the board that the new London allowance needs to be at least quadrupled if there is to be a fair deal for London teachers and London children?

Mrs. Thatcher

My understanding of the position in inner London is that there are more teachers this term than there were last term, although there are, unfortunately, more schools on part time. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment has, I believe, conveyed to the Pay Board that we are anxious to receive its report as quickly as possible, but we recognise that it has been asked to do quite a big job, and we hope that it will do it thoroughly.

Mr. Molloy

Is the right hon. Lady aware that there is a feeling of desperation in the Greater London area about the exodus of teachers? It has been pointed out that young teachers wishing to buy a house in which to live, in a place from which they can get to school to teach the children, have to find £4,000–£5,000 more than they would if they were teaching in the provinces, and the Department's contribution to that sum in London weighting is £118? Will the right hon. Lady examine the problem, treating it with the urgency it requires?

Mrs. Thatcher

I agree that there is a much higher turnover of teachers in London than is usually found elsewhere, but it is not a straight problem of numbers. There has not been an exodus, because there are more teachers than there were last term. I am particularly aware of the housing problem. We have done a survey in the Department into what separate local authorities are prepared to do to help teachers and other employees in their service. The list is quite impressive.