§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the differences between the regulations for lecturers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in relation to loss of pay arising from sick leave; and what proposals he has to bring them into line.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI assume my hon. Friend has in mind lecturers in colleges of further education. In general, provisions in Northern Ireland are more generous to those in their early years of service, and less generous thereafter, than similar provisions in Great Britain. The Ministry of Education in Northern Ireland makes regulations covering arrangements for sick leave, after consultation with representatives of teachers and employers in the Standing Committee on Teachers' Salaries. I understand that this particular matter is at present being examined by the Teachers' Salary Council, which nominates teachers' representatives to the Standing Committee. Any recommendations which the Standing Committee may make will, of course, be considered by the Ministry.