§ 11. Mr. Hawksleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the Professional Association of Teachers will now have a seat on each local authority teachers' negotiating committee.
§ Dr. BoysonIt has always been open to local authorities to choose for themselves whom they should consult; but I am sure that local authorities generally will take note of the admission of this association, by my right hon. and learned Friend, to the Burnham Primary and Secondary Committee.
§ Mr. HawksleyI congratulate my hon. Friend on including the Professional Association of Teachers in Burnham. Will he go further and send a circular recommending local authorities to include that body in all local negotiations?
§ Dr. BoysonIt has not been the Department's practice to send circulars suggesting to local authorities—which treasure their liberty—whom they should see. I am sure that they are aware that the PAT is now represented on Burnham, and will draw their conclusions from that.