HC Deb 23 April 1985 vol 77 c735
9. Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to replace the present negotiating machinery for teachers' pay with a system which directly links pay with performance.

Sir Keith Joseph

The current pay structure for school teachers, as negotiated by the Burnham primary and secondary committee, allows employers some discretion, through scale promotions, to relate pay to performance. I am not persuaded that the replacement of the negotiating machinery is the key to bringing about a structure in which pay is more directly linked to performance.

Mr. Maclean

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that those who take so-called industrial action should abide by the other rules by which those involved in industry have to live, where pay is directly linked to performance? Is it not time that my right hon. Friend introduced legislation to sweep away the present machinery and impose a system of pay related to performance?

Sir Keith Joseph

I do not accept that it is the machinery that prevents a move in the direction that my hon. Friend seeks. The experience before our eyes in Scotland shows that even when the machinery is reformed in the way that he now seeks the results are not as had been hoped for.

Mr. Canavan

Does the Secretary of State accept that the vast majority of teachers are dedicated, overworked and underpaid, and that if a system were introduced to link ministerial pay to performance he would be sent home with an empty pay packet?

Sir Keith Joseph

Underneath the banter, there is a certain amount of common ground between us — [interruption]—I stress "a certain amount." I accept that most teachers are dedicated and hardworking. I also believe that most of them would welcome a system of appraisal in the preparation of which they had had some say.

Mr. Madel

As the important salary restructuring talks need to proceed, will my right hon. Friend remind those involved in the negotiations that the Government's aim is to reward the effective classroom teacher with improved pay and promotion prospects?

Sir Keith Joseph

Yes, Sir. The Government have declared their intention to introduce legislation and extra finance to expand in-service training so that an appraisal system can back up improved professional and career prospects, as well as perhaps having an influence on pay.