HC Deb 23 February 1979 vol 963 c363W
Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much it would cost to increase the present salaries of primary and secondary school teachers in England and Wales in proportion to the increase in the retail price index since the effective date of the Houghton award.

Mr. Oakes

A total of £635 million is derived from the following basis:

  • —change in retail price index between 25 May 1974 and 11 December 1978 latest available figure: 89.77 per cent.
  • —Average salary of primary and secondary teachers with effect from 25 May 1974: £3,390
  • —Estimated average salary of primary and secondary teachers at December 1978: £5,012
  • —Number of teachers employed in maintained primary and secondary schools in England and Wales: 446,760.