Pupil-Teacher Ratios

Oral Answers to Questions — Wales – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 31 October 1983.

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Photo of Mr David Knox Mr David Knox , Staffordshire Moorlands 12:00, 31 October 1983

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in Wales at the most recent count; and how this compares with the ratio in 1978.

Photo of Mr John Stradling Thomas Mr John Stradling Thomas , Monmouth

The ratio was 21·8:1 in January 1983, compared with 22·6:1 in 1978.

Photo of Mr David Knox Mr David Knox , Staffordshire Moorlands

Does my hon. Friend agree that there has been a satisfactory improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in Wales since the Government took office?

Photo of Mr John Stradling Thomas Mr John Stradling Thomas , Monmouth

I agree with my hon. Friend. We always strive to improve standards in education, and progress in the pupil-teacher ratio is satisfactory.

Photo of Mr Dafydd Elis Thomas Mr Dafydd Elis Thomas , Meirionnydd Nant Conwy

How much of the improvement is due to falling school rolls, and how much to the increase in the number of teachers recruited?

Photo of Mr John Stradling Thomas Mr John Stradling Thomas , Monmouth

It is not possible to give a precise answer to the hon. Gentleman's question. Of course, falling school rolls have played a part, but local education authorities are responsible for their allocation of resources and their policies.