§ 2 Mr Knoxasked 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 the two previous years.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Michael Roberts)The ratio was 21.9 to 1 in January 1980 compared with 22 to 1 a year earlier and 22.6 to 1 in 1978.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes my hon. Friend agree that the figures show a satisfactory improving trend? Do they not belie the Opposition's propaganda of gloom and despondency about education in Wales?
§ Mr. Michael RobertsYes, indeed. Pupil-teacher ratios are at their best ever level. In 1979 the pupil-teacher ratio in English primary schools was 23.1 to 1 and in Wales 22 to 1.