HL Deb 12 May 1966 vol 274 cc789-90

3.18 p.m.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to the decision of the Monmouthshire Education Committee that two school masters in the employment of the Monmouthshire County Council, namely Mr. Alun Pask and Mr. Brian Price, who are distinguished members of the British Isles Rugby Football Touring Team (commonly known as "The British Lions"), shall be paid only their salaries as schoolmasters for the eight weeks of the tour which fall within the school summer holidays, and whether, in view of the contribution that these two gentlemen are making to the sporting reputation of Britain, and to the warm friendship between Britain and our fellow Commonwealth countries of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to make good the deficiency.]

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science was not aware of this decision. The matter appears to be entirely one for the authority to decide at their discretion. On the second part of the Question, Her Majesty's Government, while fully recognising the importance of this tour, would be unable to make good the deficiency in the salaries of the teachers concerned.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, while I thank the Minister for the charm of her Answer, I am not so grateful for its content. May I ask her whether, in view of the importance of this whole subject, particularly to Commonwealth relations with the three countries mentioned, she will do her best, and her Minister will do his best, to persuade the Monmouthshire County Council to reverse the decision of the Monmouthshire Education Committee and to pay these gentlemen their salaries?

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, I think I may tell the noble Lord that Her Majesty's Government are very conscious of the importance of this tour, but this matter must of necessity, I think, remain a matter between the authority and the teachers concerned.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, all I am asking the Minister is whether she or her superior Minister would try to persuade the Education Authority (I appreciate that it is a matter for the Authority's decision)—because, after all, they pay a substantial contribution towards the Education Authority's expenses in Monmouthshire—to do what I ask. Furthermore, may I ask the Minister whether she is aware that the Government, quite rightly and properly, are paying in full the salaries of their employees who are on this tour? Is this not a very mean, parsimonious and small-minded attitude on the part of the Monmouthshire County Council?

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, I am sure your Lordships would not wish me to comment on the behaviour of the Monmouthshire County Council, but I recognise the feeling of the House on this matter. I give the noble Lord the assurance for which he asks. I will certainly pass his comments on to the Minister and see that the noble Lord has a reply.

LORD OGMORE

I thank the noble Baroness very much.