asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on progress towards the establishment of a teachers' general council.

The proposals made in 1970 by a working party on a teaching council for England and Wales did not prove acceptable to all the teachers' associations. My right hon. Friend made it clear that he is ready to consider, in consultation with other interests, any alternative proposals the teachers' associations may put forward jointly. I understand that they are now considering whether they can formulate agreed proposals.