§ 18. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet the representatives of the teachers' associations in Scotland.
§ Mr. William RossI have no immediate plans for such a meeting.
§ Mr. HughesWill my right hon. Friend arrange for such a meeting at an early opportunity? Will he remind Scottish teachers how much money the Government have put into teachers' salaries and will he also make another attempt to get the EIS to call off its work-to-rule, which is damaging the education of so many Scottish children? Will he further tell them that many hon. Members, as well as people outside, regard with shame and abhorence the threat to extend the work-to-rule to schools for the physically or 476 mentally handicapped? Will he emphasise that such a suggestion reflects little credit on a profession which should have and claims to have at heart the well being of Scottish education?
§ Mr. RossI have no desire to see the work-to-rule extended and I hope that wisdom will prevail. I agree with my hon. Friend's remarks about special schools. If there are any issues on which it would be valuable for me to have discussions with the associations, I shall be prepared to arrange such a meeting. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State who has just taken over responsibilities in this sphere has already had informal discussions with the union leaders and is meeting the EIS on 7th November.