§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consult the Lanarkshire Education Authority with a view to having specialist assistants, academic and non-academic, appointed in 0 level and junior secondary schools.
§ Mr. NobleAt present, under the Schools (Scotland) Code, special assistants may be appointed only in secondary departments providing courses extending over not less than five years. I am, however, at present considering the matter as part of a review of the provisions regarding posts of responsibility generally and propose to consult the education authorities and teachers' organisations in due course.
§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will extend the inducement payment of £50 intended for teachers in the city of Glasgow to teachers in the surrounding counties, with a view to preventing any further deterioration in the teaching shortage position in these areas; if he will amend Regulation 31 accordingly; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleThe proposal included in the draft Regulations for a special allowance for teachers in Glasgow was based on a recommendation of the National Joint Council which referred only to teachers in that city. I shall, of course, consider very carefully any representations which I may receive on this proposal before deciding what provision, if any, should be included in the final Regulations.