HC Deb 02 December 1974 vol 882 cc338-9W
Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will arrange for the interim increase in teachers' salaries, due in January, to be paid in advance before Christmas.

Mr. Armstrong

I have been informed What it would not prejudice the final recommendations of the committee of inquiry into the pay of non-university teachers if a lump sum as indicated by Lord Houghton and his colleagues were to be paid. The Burnham Committee will be meeting on 5th and 6th December to negotiate an agreement. Even if agreement is reached and the necessary order is made without delay, the fact that the December pay day is generally before Christmas will make it difficult for local authorities to make these payments to individual teachers before the January pay day; but I hope that payment will be made as soon as can be arranged.