§ 3. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Wales how much was spent per pupil in primary schools in Wales in each of the past three years.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Michael Roberts)Net recurrent expenditure per head on all pupils in maintained primary schools in Wales was £338 in 1977–78, £384 in 1978–79 and £446 in 1979–80, at outturn prices. These figures exclude school meals, milk and transport.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes my hon. Friend agree that, if there is a connection between standards and the amount of money spent on education, the figures show that there is no reason why standards should have fallen in the last few years and strong reasons why they should have risen substantially?
§ Mr. RobertsConsistently since the Second World War Britain has spent a greater share of its gross national product on education than most of its industrial rivals. Between 1960 and 1980 we increased by 64 per cent. in real terms the amount spent per pupil in primary schools. That increase was not matched by a similar increase in standards.
§ Mr. D. E. ThomasDoes the Minister accept that his inspectorate has just made a report which clearly shows that standards in primary and secondary schools in Wales are under threat because of the public expenditure cuts forced upon authorities by his Department?
§ Mr. RobertsI have read carefully the report by the inspectorate. It came to the conclusion that the fabric of education was intact.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerIs not the pupil-teacher ratio as good as, or better than, it has ever been?
§ Mr. RobertsThe pupil-teacher ratio in Wales bears out the conclusion of the HMI report. It is at its best level.
§ Dr. Roger ThomasDid not that HMI report highlight a reduction in the quality and variety of education provision in the primary schools, in rural areas in particular?
§ Mr. RobertsNo, Sir. The report made it clear that our education standards are being maintained.