HC Deb 06 May 1986 vol 97 cc40-1W
22. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will invite Her Majesty's Inspectorate to carry out an assessment of the effect upon schools and children of the continuing teachers' dispute.

Sir Keith Joseph

Her Majesty's inspectors' concern in their routine and specialist visits to schools is to observe and, in the case of full inspections, to report on the quality of education provided and the standards achieved by the pupils. In the past year, some schools inspected by Her Majesty's Inspectors' will have been affected by the teachers' dispute. Where the action taken appeared to be impinging upon quality and standards in the school, this will be commented upon in the published Her Majesty's Inspectorates' report.

24. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the continuing industrial action being taken by the teachers.

36. Mr. Haselhurst

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reports he has received about the level of continuing disruption in schools, as a result of industrial action by teachers; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Keith Joseph

I very much regret that disruption—itself, in my view, wrong and unprofessional—continues in schools in England and Wales despite the recent 8.5 per cent. pay increase and the talks now taking place under the independent panel appointed by ACAS. In the circumstances all teachers should certainly now be working normally. For its part, the NUT should reverse its policy of causing disruption, abide by the ACAS agreement of January, and join in the ACAS-assisted talks. I continue to receive information from Her Majesty's inspectors and others about disruption and its effects. Examples of continuing disruption include refusal to cover for absent colleagues; refusal to attend staff meetings or meetings with parents; and refusal to take part in curriculum development.

35. Mr. Simon Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service discussions on teachers' pay and conditions.

Sir Keith Joseph

I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway).