asked the Prime Minister whether he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the status, pay and qualifications of teachers.

I do not consider that this would be appropriate. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Education is now engaged in consultations with the local authority and teachers' associations on possible ways in which the procedures for negotiating salaries of teachers in England and Wales might be improved. My right hon. Friend the the Secretary of State for Scotland hopes to have similar discussions with the National Joint Council.