§ Sir J. Henderson-Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received the comments of the National Joint Council on his proposals for new salary scales for Scottish teachers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclayI received the Council's comments this morning. They take the view that my proposals would disturb the relativities which have been established over recent years between the scales for the various types of teacher, and that there should be a general improvement in salaries. The Council, therefore, unanimously adhere to their previous recommendations.
The proposals I have made represent a general improvement in salaries, 128W though they do not give a uniform percentage increase. As I made clear in my Answer of 18th April to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North and the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson), I do not regard a uniform percentage increase as the best way of meeting the real needs of the situation. But I shall consider whether any detailed adjustments are appropriate within the broad lines of my approach.