asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when educational psychologists employed by local education authorities last received a salary increase; and what was the amount of that increase in percentage terms.

Salaries were increased by approximately 8 per cent. on 1st April 1974. The group also benefited from a restructuring exercise.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has given consideration to the effect the recent offer of salary increases is likely to have on the recruitment of educational psychologists by local education authorities; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that agreement was reached on 2nd July on an increase from 1st April 1975 of 21·2 per cent., which subsumed existing threshold payments. This represented full compensation for the rise in the cost of living over the previous 12 months. The question of recruitment to the service will no doubt be kept under review by the local education authorities.