§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many substantive teachers in grant-aided schools and institutions in Northern Ireland have, since the introduction of direct rule, had their pay reduced to half, or had their pay stopped completely because of illness; and how many such instances have taken place since 4th January 1973, the date on which his Department received a representation on this matter.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeNo teacher has had his pay completely stopped during the period. The information is as follows:
Pay reduced to half since 27th March 1972 Pay reduced to half since 4th January 1973 Primary and Secondary Schools 56 24 Special Schools 2 1 Institutions of Further Education 4 — 62 25
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in view of his undertaking in the White Paper, he will take steps to bring the terms of sickness pay for career teachers in Northern Ireland into line with those for teachers in England and Wales.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe Ministry of Education in Northern Ireland makes regulations covering arrangements for sick leave for teachers, 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.