§ Mr. HACKETTasked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the number of under-graded teachers, that is, teachers who are not in the grade corresponding to their classification, in the service of the National Board on 31st December, 1909; and whether he can state the date on which the memorial on their behalf was considered by the Commissioners of National Education?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that the gradation of teachers under the regulations which came into operation in 1900 is not identical with the classification which existed previously, and that there is no necessary connection between the two. On 31st December last there were 2,569 principal and 1,089 assistant teachers whose gradation under the existing rules was lower than their old classification. This does not, however, imply that such teachers were, either in rank or emoluments, in a worse position than they would have been under the system which prevailed prior to 1900. A memorial from certain teachers, whose gradation under the new rules did not correspond with their classification under the old, was received by the Board on 6th April, 1909, but the Commissioners did not deem it necessary to take any action upon it.