§ 6. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied that the teacher in polytechnics and other institutions of higher education is adequately represented for the purposes of collective bargaining under the present arrangements.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleThe only aspect of this question that falls within my responsibility is the determination of the composition of the Burnham further education committee, which negotiates pay. On that matter, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave some moments ago.
§ Mr. RossIn view of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's announcement earlier that he intends to announce a decision within a month on representation of the Association of Polytechnic Teachers, will he accept, from one who on this side of the House is in a minority, that 16 per cent. is a substantial minority? These people have been waiting since November 1979 for a decision, so a decision will be welcome if it is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. CarlisleI regret that I have not yet been in a position to make the decision. There has been a series of representations which I have had to take into account. I shall come to a conclusion as soon as I can.
§ Mr. NewensDoes the Secretary of State consider that the proliferation of organisations representing teachers will make it more difficult for decisions and agreements to be reached in the solution of industrial problems? Does he recognise that this group of teachers is already represented by NATFHE, and that any change in the arrangement is likely to be a recipe for prolonged industrial difficulties?
§ Mr. CarlisleThe teachers in question are clearly not represented by NATFHE because they are not members of that association. That is the purpose of their application. Of course I have to consider all these reasons when reaching my conclusion. There are other bodies than NATFHE on the further education committee.