§ 28. Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further progress has been made towards resolving the current teachers' pay dispute; and if he will make a statement.
§ 34. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the teachers' pay dispute.
§ Mr. YoungerI refer my hon. Friend and the hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang).
§ 40. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the situation in Scottish schools as it relates to the current claim by teachers to have an independent review of their salaries.
§ Mr. YoungerThis week, I understand that over 100 primary schools will be affected for three days by strike action by members of the Educational Institute of Scotland. In addition, primary teachers in 15 areas will be on strike for one day. Last term, 65,000 teacher days were lost in primary and secondary schools. Almost 30,000 teacher days have been lost this term to 10 May. All Scottish secondary schools were affected by a strike by EIS and SSTA members on 24 April but no strike action is being taken in secondary schools at present and the Scottish Certificate of Education examinations are going ahead normally. I am seriously concerned at the effects of all disruptive action by teachers, whether in the form of strikes, boycotts of curriculum development or other forms of non-co-operation and non-performance of their professional duties.