HC Deb 19 March 1985 vol 75 cc773-4
16. Mr. Allen McKay

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last met representatives of the Campaign for the Advancement of State Education; and what he discussed with them.

17. Mr. Jim Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last met representatives of the Campaign for the Advancement of State Education to discuss standards in education.

Sir Keith Joseph

I have not yet met representatives of CASE, but shall be doing so on 1 April, principally to discuss the resolutions from their last annual conference.

Mr. McKay

When the right hon. Gentleman meets that organisation, will he discuss the lowering of morale of teachers and pupils due to his intransigence? Why does he think that people should go to arbitration when he refuses to fund any increase and when local authorities cannot afford to do so because of rate capping?

Sir Keith Joseph

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman accepts that what local authorities can afford is a key issue. I expect that the people coming to see me will raise some such question.

Mr. Jim Callaghan

The future of education is dependent on high morale among the teaching staff. In view of the current low morale, what will the right hon. Gentleman do about increasing teachers' pay?

Sir Keith Joseph

I have offered the interest of myself and the Government in the introduction of an appraisal system that might offer teachers the possibility of better career earnings for effectiveness.