HC Deb 10 June 1980 vol 986 cc285-7
8. Mr. Thornton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether measures are to be taken to establish a direct link between future negotiations on teachers' pay and the conditions and contracts of service of those teachers.

Mr. Mark Carlisle

Discussions are proceeding between the local authority and teachers' associations on conditions of service, and my Department and the local authority associations are jointly reviewing the implications of the Remuneration of Teachers Act 1965, with particular reference to the negotiation of pay and of other conditions of service.

Mr. Thornton

I am obliged to my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply. Is he aware that the local authorities are still reeling from the effects of Clegg mark I and mark II and are still anxiously awaiting the mark I Houghton teacher, which we were promised many years ago but which has never been realised? The negotiations that are taking place are badly overdue.

Mr. Carlisle

I am fully aware that in its proposals the Clegg Commission said that it took account of the wide range of extra-curricular activities which teachers consider to be part of their normal life. I believe that it is compatible with the professional standing of teachers that there should be some greater clarity among them as to what that amounts to.

Mr. Kinnock

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman ensure that the local education authorities have sufficient funds to make payment under the Clegg award ? If not, will he ensure that any local authorities which are forced to supplement their rates in order to pay those bills are exempted from any Government action which may inhibit them in that course?

Mr. Carlisle

From the many statements that have been made from this Dispatch Box, both by myself and by the Chancellor, the hon. Gentleman knows that the rate support grant took what we considered to be a realistic assessment of the likely effect of the Clegg Commission report, together with an additional 13 per cent. to allow for inflation in pay for the current year. We stick by those commitments.

Mr. Greenway

Does not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the pay and conditions of teachers will be substantially and strongly affected by falling rolls? In considering any future section 13 notices, will he strongly bear in mind the need for diversity of provision in all types of schools so that we continue to have single-sex schools and denominational schools as well as coeducational schools?

Mr. Carlisle

I am not quite sure whether my hon. Friend's question arises from my previous answer. However, in reviewing section 13 proposals, one of the matters that I try to take into account is the need to have a diversity of schools in an area so as to enable wider parental choice.

Mr. Foulkcs

In considering future arrangements for negotiating teachers' pay, will the Secretary of State look at the possibility of setting up a standing review body, along the lines which exist for the police and other groups, which has the support of the teachers in Scotland?

Mr. Carlisle

I would not have thought that was necessary. I repeat that we are in conversation with the local education authorities about the Remuneration of Teachers Act.