§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland in view of the discontent among teachers about the part played by the Scottish Joint Council in settling teachers' salaries, what steps he proposes to take to remove this discontent.
§ Mr. NobleI am not aware of any general discontent among teachers over the working of the Scottish Joint Council.
§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the need for a properly constituted negotiation body with powers to determine teachers' salaries; what consideration he has given this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleI have received a representation from the Scottish Schoolmasters Association that I should introduce "arrangements for the establishment of a body empowered to conduct negotiations on teachers' salaries and allowances on a genuine voluntary basis". I see no ground at present108W for altering the arrangements for the negotiation of teachers' salaries in Scotland.
§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the shortage of teachers partly results from the present level of teachers' salaries; and if he will have fresh consultations with the interests concerned with a view to introducing higher salaries.
§ Mr. NobleNo. I see no ground for disturbing the salaries settlement agreed last year, which will remain in force until 31st March, 1966.
§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that teachers are not allowed by the National Joint Council to discuss and be mandated by their members as regards salary negotiations at National Joint Council level; and if he will take steps to ensure that the normal mechanics of collective bargaining shall operate.
§ Mr. NobleThe restriction imposed by the Scottish Joint Council on its members relates to the divulging of information about the Council's proceedings. It does not prevent the teachers' associations from instructing the members they have nominated to the Council.