asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in order to encourage married women teachers to return to teaching, he will consider recognition of those years spent bringing up a family for increments; and if he will also consider the acceptance of part-time teaching for superannuation purposes.

The first part of the Question is a matter for discussion and agreement in the Burnham Primary and Secondary Committee. On the second part, I have already established an official Working Party to consider the question of extending superannuation rights to part-time teachers.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that his reply will be encouraging to those who are anxious about this matter? Will he do all he can to urge the Working Party to report as soon as possible so that the 200,000 trained teachers who are not teaching can be encouraged to return?

Yes, Sir.

On the latter part of the question, does the Secretary of State realise the great importance that all of us on both sides attach to this matter? When is the Working Party likely to submit its report? The right hon. Gentleman will remember that I raised this matter on the Teachers' Superannuation Bill.

The Working Party has already had its first meeting. I cannot give a definite date for publication, but it is perfectly conscious—it has been made conscious—of the urgency of the subject.