§ 19. Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to provide a review 1131 body for promotions within schools and colleges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyNo, Sir.
§ Mr. CryerDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the review body would help to take away from headmasters and college principals the air of patronage which frequently accompanies promotions within education institutions? It is the "blue-eyed boy" syndrome, which is not exclusive to education institutions. Does my right hon. Friend agree that a review body would give an air of impartiality and fairness that would be widely welcomed by both teachers and lecturers?
§ Mr. MulleyThe Burnham Committee is to undertake a review of the points system, which has a bearing on the number of promoted posts. It would be wholly wrong if we sought to deal nationally with what must be a local matter. It is for local education authorities to determine how they promote teachers and how, within the schools, the various jobs are filled. That job must be done by the local education authorities. As far as I know, the teachers' unions have not put forward any alternative suggestions.
§ Mr. BrittanWhile accepting that this is a matter for the local education authority, may I ask whether the Minister agrees that governors of school boards have an important part to play in matters of this kind, and a constructive rôle in deciding who should be appointed to these posts?
§ Mr. MulleyThe hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. I am sure that that is an aspect to which the Taylor Committee will address itself. It is for local education authorities to decide whom should be appointed as governors in their schools.