§ 8. Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects to be able to make recommendations for the restructuring of university academic staff salaries.
§ Mr. OakesMy right hon. Friend will issue no recommendations before the negotiators have issued a joint statement.
§ Mr. LitterickThat would be generally regarded as disappointing. Will my hon. Friend take on board the fact that there is now strong evidence of widespread discrimination in the salaries of women in university life? This applies also in terms of placements. Will my hon. Friend undertake to investigate this as a matter of urgency?
§ Mr. OakesIf what my hon. Friend says is true I shall look into it, but it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the merits of any proposals today.
§ Dr. HampsonSince the Government have repeatedly promised to rectify the 1974 pay anomalies, why are they dragging their feet to the extent that the negotiations seem to have broken down? How long will this last? Would it not be better to put the whole matter to the test of arbitration?
§ Mr. OakesThere is no question of the negotiations having been broken off. The last meeting of Committee B was on Friday 10th March and the next meeting is on Thursday 16th March.
§ Mrs. BainDoes the Minister accept that the Government's failure to come forward with any new and positive agreements on 10th March was regarded by the university teachers as a slap in the face, particularly since the Government have settled other similar pay anomalies? Does he appreciate that this latest move is an indication that we are again reverting to a brain drain in many universities, a situation that is evidenced by various departments in Glasgow?
§ Mr. OakesI express sympathy on this matter. I hope that the university teachers in no way regard this as a slap in the face. However, let us see how we go on Thursday.