§ 1. 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 1978.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. John Stradling Thomas)The ratio was 21.8:1 in January 1983, compared with 22.6:1 in 1978.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes my hon. Friend agree that there has been a satisfactory improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in Wales since the Government took office?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI agree with my hon. Friend. We always strive to improve standards in education, and progress in the pupil-teacher ratio is satisfactory.
§ Mr. D. E. ThomasHow much of the improvement is due to falling school rolls, and how much to the increase in the number of teachers recruited?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasIt is not possible to give a precise answer to the hon. Gentleman's question. Of course, falling school rolls have played a part, but local education authorities are responsible for their allocation of resources and their policies.