HC Deb 06 February 1969 vol 777 cc145-6W
55 and 56. Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many schools are affected by the professional work-to-rule now being practised by teachers;

(2) if he will make a statement about the professional work-to-rule now being staged in selected schools by teachers.

Mr. Edward Short

I understand from the Press that the National Association of Schoolmasters has decided to instruct its members in certain schools to restrict their services, apparently in protest at the policy of the Teachers' Panel of the Burnham Committee.

I have seen reports that this action is being taken this week in about 16 secondary schools in the areas of 12 local education authorities. I very much hope that the Association will quickly bring to an end this unnecessary and unjustified disruption of the schools, which bears hardly on both the pupils and the rest of the staffs.