§ Sir M. Galpernasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the threatened strike on 9th December by the Scottish Schoolmasters' Association and the Young Teachers' Action Committee; as this action would affect 900 schools, whether he will take steps to avert the strike; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. John Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he will announce a decision on increases in the salaries of Scottish teachers, in view of the expressed intention of some teachers to take strike action again in support of their claims.
§ Mr. RossI have seen reports in the Press that certain groups of teachers intend to strike on 9th December.
On 26th November the Scottish Joint Council for Teachers' Salaries sent me their recommendations for salary increases to have effect from 1st April, 1966. I am urgently considering these recommendations and I shall make known the Government's decision on them as soon as I can.
I greatly regret that some members of the profession should see fit to resort to strike action both while salary negotiations are taking place and before the Government have had time to consider the recommendations. Such irresponsible action can have no possible effect except to deprive children of their schooling.