§ 5. Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many reports by Her Majesty's inspectors on educational establishments in Wales have been made public under the new arrangements announced in November.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. John Stradling Thomas)Six reports were made public on 22 February and four on 28 February.
§ Mr. HoosonIs my hon. Friend satisfied with the response to the publication of those reports, or will it be some time before people realise how much valuable information about educational establishments is now openly available for the first time?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI am reasonably satisfied, because there has been extensive coverage on television, radio and in the newspapers. The Welsh Office has so far received over 100 requests for copies from universities, schools, libraries, parents, members of the public and students. Reports have also been available from the local education authorities. The publication of such reports has been generally welcomed. They will be a useful contribution to discussion and thought about the future of our education system.
§ Mr. RowlandsHas the hon. Gentleman read the report on Cynfartha school in Merthyr Tydfil, in which two observations were made which I want to bring to his attention? First, it says that the school has been doing a fine job despite the current industrial and economic position facing the community. Secondly, it mentions the desperate need for an improvement in pupil-teacher ratios in the school. I am sure that that applies to other schools in the community.
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasYes, I have read that report, and it is encouraging. However, pupil-teacher ratios are matters that we have very much at heart. I am glad to say that the position in Wales is marginally-only marginally, but at least marginally-better than in England.
§ Mr. D. E. ThomasHow will the Minister ensure that for schools on which reports have been made, such as Ysgol y Moelwyn at Blaenau Ffestiniog, where there are clearly substantial problems and a leeway in expenditure to be made up, there will be adequate provision within the rate support grant for education expenditure?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasWithin the terms of responsible policies, we shall have to do the best that we can. I appreciate the problems to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but at the moment the reports are a useful contribution towards seeing how best scarce resources can be allocated to overcome those problems.