HC Deb 20 July 1955 vol 544 cc57-8W
Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement about future arrangements for determining the salaries of the academic staffs of universities.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Yes. Those who are responsible for these matters in the universities have been giving very careful

and the total sums they have received up to date.

The Attorney-General

The following is the information asked for in the first three parts of the Question:

consideration to this matter since it was raised by hon. Members after my statement on academic salaries on 16th November, 1954. I must emphasise that the relationship between the governing bodies and academic staffs of the universities is in important respects different from that between employers and employees. This relationship is unique, and I should be sorry to see any attempt to change it. Its effect is to make inappropriate the development of negotiating machinery of the normal type. Nevertheless, it has been helpful to review the machinery of consultation.

The University Grants Committee will be ready to receive representations at any time as to changes in the basic salary framework for the academic staffs of universities from the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals or from the Association of University Teachers. Thus the Association as well as the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals will have a formal right of approach to the University Grants Committee on this subject. It will be the duty of the Committee, after examining these representations, and if necessary elucidating them by discussion, to give a considered reply. Before replying the Committee would, if necessary, make a submission to me.

The Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals will also have full discussions with the Association of University Teachers as occasion demands on general salary questions. These arrangements seem to me to be the best which can be devised in view of the great complexities of this question, and I have every hope that they will work satisfactorily.