§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will discuss with education and library boards the case for provision for leave of absence without pay for teachers accompanying a husband or wife who has been selected to represent Northern Ireland at a business promotion or marketing conference overseas, where requests for such leave occur not more than once in five years and the school principal can make satisfactory arrangements to cover the absent teacher; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 28 March 1988]: I have no plans to do so. This is, in the first instance, a matter for the employing authority, and where leave of absence without pay is recommended by the authority it is usual practice for the Department of Education for Northern Ireland to approve.