HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 cc2-3
1. Mr. Knox

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

The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Michael Roberts)

The ratio was 21.7 to 1 in January 1981 compared with 22.6 to 1 in January 1978.

Mr. Knox

Does my hon. Friend agree that there has been satisfactory improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio in recent years in Welsh primary schools? Is the present figure the best ever?

Mr. Roberts

The figure is the best ever. Most hon. Members will agree that teachers constitute the most important resource in education and that the figure is altogether satisfactory.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

Does the Minister concur with the view expressed by the Secretary of State for Education and Science? How many teachers in Wales does he intend to sack?

Mr. Roberts

Every hon. Member should be concerned about effective teaching in our schools.

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