§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the latest position on teachers' pay.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe Government want to see better opportunities for better teachers, and better schools giving pupils a better education. Last summer we offered to allow extra spending on teachers' pay in return for an agreement covering pay, pay structure and duties which would help achieve those objectives. Now all these inter-connected issues are on the agenda again, in the ACAS-assisted negotiations in England and Wales and the independent inquiry in Scotland. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have made no new commitment to allow for extra spending on teachers' pay. When each process is complete, its conclusions will be considered in full. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear on Thursday, the normal formula arrangements will continue to apply.