§ 12. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what meetings he has had since Christmas with the teaching trade unions to discuss the teachers' pay dispute.
§ Sir Keith JosephNone.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursHas the Secretary of State read the report of the Secondary Heads Association, which states that teachers are leaving the profession in droves because of low pay? How does he intend to reverse that drift away from teaching?
§ Sir Keith JosephI am aware that a number, not yet known, of teachers, including good teachers, are quitting the classroom. The Government deeply regret that. It is one reason why the Government have made conditionally available from the taxpayer sufficient extra money to transform career, promotion and pay prospects in return for the acceptance of duties.
§ Mr. MacleanSince the ACAS settlement has proved that moderate trade unions can reach a settlement when pay, conditions and duties are discussed together, does my right hon. Friend agree that the Burnham and CLEA committees should be scrapped forthwith?
§ Sir Keith JosephThat is the subject of the next question. I must warn my hon. Friend that the ACAS procedure has reached only its first stage. I welcome the progress that has been made, but there is still a great deal of progress to be made, even if the parties ratify the settlement.
§ Mr. RadiceHow many times has the Secretary of State met representatives of the teachers' unions during the year-long dispute?
§ Sir Keith JosephRecently I answered a question and set out the exact dates and details. In general, I have made myself available, subject to overriding duties, whenever representatives of teachers' unions have asked to see me.