HC Deb 09 March 1961 vol 636 cc652-3
5. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education what is at present the national average pupil-teacher ratio in the secondary schools; what are the comparative figures for grammar and secondary modern schools; which areas have the highest and lowest figures in the country, respectively; and what is his estimate of the trend in the next five years.

Sir D. Eccles

As the Answer is long and contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but I can say that I expect a steady improvement in the next five years.

Mr. Swingler

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent the inequality in the ratio between different types of schools and between different districts is now being progressively reduced?

Sir D. Eccles

That is our object, but, of course, it remains true that certain districts are able to attract teachers more easily than others.

Mr. G. Thomas

Will the Minister say whether the Answer which he is going to give my hon. Friend will include the statistics for Wales? If not, will be provide them?

Sir D. Eccles

I will look into that, but it does include the statistics for Breconshire.

Mr. Thomas

That is not Wales.

Following is the information:

The latest available information relates to January, 1960. The pupil-teacher ratio in all maintained secondary schools was 20.7, ranging from 16.8 in Breconshire to 23.6 in Wakefield. These figures take into account the full-time equivalent of part-time teachers. The

—— Under construction Completed
Primary Secondary Total Primary Secondary Total
1960 … … 244 259 503 225 187 412
1959 … … 195 302 497 217 273 490
1955 … … 335 517 852 284 147 431
1950 … … 717 213 930 205 49 254