HC Deb 20 January 1987 vol 108 cc729-30
8. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when next he intends to meet representatives of the teachers unions to discuss future negotiating procedures.

Mr. Baker

I am meeting representatives of the National Union of Teachers tomorrow. I am sure the issue of future negotiating procedures will be raised.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the difficulties in recent times, in his quieter moments does the Secretary of State really believe that to impose a solution and, in the process, to take away the negotiating rights of the trade unions, is the best way to secure peace in the classroom?

Mr. Baker

It has not been possible to secure, through negotiations, an agreed proposal. The proposal that came to me from Burnham was conditional upon my providing more money than I said the Government were prepared to make available and also upon a structure which the Government find unacceptable. A regrettable feature is that the whole of the Burnham procedure—a sort of joint negotiating committee without my being represented—has led to confusion and indecision. That cannot go on. We must resolve this dispute.

Mr. Galley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the teaching unions has threatened to concentrate its campaign about future negotiating procedures on marginal Conservative seats such as mine? It has told me that I am on its hit list. Whatever disruption that union may cause, I assure my right hon. Friend that I shall not bow to such scurillous tactics. Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that he will continue resolutely to put first the interests of children, parents and that responsible and professional majority of teachers who simply want to get on with their important job?

Mr. Baker

I do not know which union made that threat, but I am sure that if it fulfils it and carries out its threat it will succeed only in increasing my hon. Friend's majority.

Mr. Radice

Is the Secretary of State aware that the proposals put forward by the employers and teachers for new negotiating machinery meet all the Secretary of State's objections to the old Burnham committee? Therefore, will the Government allow the proposals to work by amending the Teachers' Pay and Conditions Bill in another place?

Mr. Baker

The proposal that has been put to me by the NAS, and now by the TUC, simply says that they would like a joint negotiating council. They do not say what my position should be in such a negotiating council, what representation I would have or whether I would have an initiating or a responsive role. I am still waiting for specific proposals. Some may still emerge.