HC Deb 15 December 1982 vol 34 cc277-8
9. Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in raising Scottish art teachers to the level of salary and status of their counterparts in England.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

All the Scottish art colleges now offer students in art and design the opportunity of pursuing a course leading to an honours degree which is recognised as such for salary purposes.

Mr. Stewart

Is the Minister aware that that does not answer the question which has dragged on for a number of years? Can he assure the House that Scottish arts students, whose courses are one year longer than those of their counterparts in England, will be equal in status and salary to people who qualify south of the border?

Mr. Fletcher

They are equal in salary status. Where they hold an old-type Scottish diploma they have to sit a short extra course to bring their qualifications up to date.

Mr. Stewart

Why?

Mr. Fletcher

That was a decision taken by the Scottish teachers' salaries committee in 1977.