HC Deb 23 July 1985 vol 83 c858
16. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to meet the chairman of the Burnham committee to discuss teachers' pay.

Sir Keith Joseph

I have no present plans to do so.

Mr. Fisher

Without risking quotation, will the Secretary of State seek to gain the agreement of the chairman of the Burnham committee on two points: first, that the dispute should be brought to an end as soon as possible in the interests of children and teachers; and, secondly, that the review body recommendation last week makes that far more difficult to achieve? Will the right hon. Gentleman get the agreement of, or listen to, the chairman of the Burnham committee, who will tell him that only new money from the Government can achieve an end to the dispute? Will the right hon. Gentleman take that on board?

Sir Keith Joseph

The hon. Gentleman misunderstands the role of the chairman of the Burnham committee. He fills an entirely independent role and presides over the meetings of the two sides of the committee. He takes no direct part in the negotiations. I am always happy to meet him, but I do not think that such a meeting would contribute directly to a settlement of the dispute.

Mr. Bill Walker

When my right hon. Friend next meets the chairman of the Burnham committee, will he draw his attention to the fact that these so-called independent review bodies produce more problems than they find answers?

Sir Keith Joseph

I do not anticipate a meeting, and certainly not one on the substance of the dispute.