HC Deb 20 March 1974 vol 870 cc1027-8
28. Mr. Harry Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from technical teachers in Scotland regarding qualification for the new diploma in technical education.

Mr. Robert Hughes

My right hon. Friend has received representations from teachers in Renfrewshire against the arrangements for enabling certain technical subjects teachers to qualify for the new Diploma in technical education.

Mr. Ewing

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the arrangements made by his predecessor in office still prevail, whereby it was agreed that the arrangements in force at that time would be suspended pending discussions with technical teachers in Scotland, to establish whether there was any claim on behalf of those technical teachers that they would qualify for the diploma without examination? This is causing those technical teachers great concern.

Mr. Hughes

I can confirm that as a result of the indignation aroused by the proposals a review was undertaken by the Scottish Education Department. That review had not been completed prior to the election. Therefore, the arrangements are still in suspension but I am studying the matter urgently.