Orders of the Day — Remuneration of Teachers Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 November 1964.

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Mr. James Tina:

The occasion of making a maiden speech is always a rather forbidding and awesome one, even on a Friday morning, but I feel somewhat comforted by the reflection that, however momentous the occasion may be for me, to this honourable House it is a matter of much less moment.

I have been somewhat exercised in my mind, wondering how I might be able to observe the custom that I have noticed of injecting into one's remarks references to one's constituency. I am troubled by the question of relevancy. In a debate on education, how can I talk about the rolling moorlands, the coastland scenery and the attractions of Cleveland—the opportunities for industry which the area offers, and one or two of its problems? I am almost baffled by the problem of how to introduce it but having managed to do so, I move hurriedly on to the subject of the debate.

As a schoolteacher for the past six years, I am particularly happy to be able to welcome the Bill. As I was concerned in some of the recent controversies, but at a very low level, I find it difficult, in view of the last few remarks of the hon. Member for Lewisham, North (Mr. Chataway), to respect the convention of not being controversial.

I sincerely welcome the Bill and commend it to the House. The provision it makes for the committees on which the Secretary of State will have direct representation is most welcome. It will clarify the position and remove the cause of friction and difficulties which have arisen in the past. I am not so troubled as the hon. Member for Lewisham, North was by the question of the representation on these committees respectively between local authorities and the central Government, because the amount of finance which the parties have to provide should not be the deciding issue in the matter of representation. Other factors than the source of the finance have to be considered.

I am particularly pleased that the committees are given a new initiative in deciding when they may begin to consider a change in remuneration for the class of teacher for which they are responsible. The relevant Clause states that the Secretary of State may initiate discussion. It also gives the initiative to the committee, although I am not clear whether the chairman of the committee or the committee as a whole would have the responsibility of initiating such consideration.

I am glad to note that Clause 1(3) is so widely phrased that, although my right hon. Friend envisages only three committees, it would seem to allow him to set up other committees, perhaps for the ad hoc consideration of the problems of particular sections, not merely of the teaching profession, but also of scales, and perhaps to deal with special needs or problems as they emerge from time to time.

All teachers will be glad that the recommendations of a committee will be binding on the Secretary of State, when there is agreement in a committee. This is the quid pro quo of the representation which the Secretary of State has been given, and it is logical and to be welcomed.

We are also glad that arbitration is provided for the first time. This should remove the occasions for strife which the profession has suffered in the past. The provision that arbitration recommendations are binding, except when a resolution of both House of Parliament resolves that it would be against the national economic interest, is only reasonable.

I am certain that the profession as a whole and all concerned in the education system will be glad that the Bill contains provision for retrospective payments, because as one who has been a conscientious member of a local committee of the National Union of Teachers I know that no single issue in salary negotiations aroused stronger feeling than this. The knowledge that any payment agreed upon will be retrospective will help to keep down the temperature of negotiations and will make teachers more ready to bear with the negotiations.

I welcome the Bill on the ground that I believe it will make the negotiation of salaries for those engaged in education more efficient. It is true that it is a machine, but it is a more efficient machine providing for speedier negotiation. I believe that it contains possibilities for a more flexible growth and development to meet new and changing needs in the future, an organic development which I am certain that hon. Members opposite should welcome, not least the right hon. and learned Gentleman for St. Marylebone (Mr. Hogg).

In conclusion, may I express my thanks to the House for the courteous attention with which it has listened to my speech, a courtesy which I am happy to learn it always extends to maiden speakers. May I also offer my thanks for the many kindnesses shown to me by all hon. Members and those concerned with the administration of the House, which are helping me to overcome the many problems facing a new Member.