asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he can report on the negotiations which have been taking place between the Board of Education and the representatives of the teachers relative to the question of the pensions of teachers who retire during the operation of the economy cuts?

My Noble Friend has informed the National Union of Teachers of the conditions which would need to be attached to any arrangement for securing that the pensions of teachers retiring during the currency of the economy cuts should not be reduced by reason of those cuts, and has inquired whether, on the assumption that time could be found for the introduction of the necessary legislation, and that there was general agreement on the part of the other parties concerned, the Executive of the Union would desire the introduction of legislation on the lines indicated by him. My Noble Friend has not yet been informed of the wishes of the Executive in the matter.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the conditions offered imply that sacrifices will be called for from other teachers?

The matter is rather complicated. The conditions of the Government's offer are indicated in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Fairfield (Mr. Brocklebank), on 12th July last, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

Will my hon. Friend press upon his colleague the fact that this matter is causing considerable concern?