§ 23. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the course of the teacher's dispute in Scottish schools.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThere has been no strike action since the week beginning 17 June, and Scottish schools are now on holiday. I understand that the EIS has threatened intensified industrial action next session. Since the teachers' side of the Scottish joint negotiating committee has refused to submit a pay claim, no increase can be negotiated for the current year. I hope that negotiations on a medium-term pay and conditions of service package will begin. My right hon. Friend has made it clear that extra resources would be made available in the rate support grant settlement for 1986–87 if an acceptable package is negotiated by October.