§ 3. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the pupil-teacher ratio in secondary schools in Wales at the most recent count; and how this compares with the ratio in 1978.
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasThe ratio was 16.5:1 in January 1983 compared with 17:1 in January 1978.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes my hon. Friend agree that those figures show a satisfactory improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio? Does he think that they are reflected in improving standards in secondary schools?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI think that the trend is satisfactory, but I stress that the pupil-teacher ratio, although important, is only one factor in improving standards. Generally we must always seek further improvements in standards, and improvements in the pupil-teacher ratio can contribute to that.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesDoes the hon. Gentleman accept that the improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio stems largely from the reduction in rolls? Will he further accept that the Government's public expenditure programme will eventually mean that standards in Welsh schools will fall and that the pupil-teacher ratio will get worse?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasFalling rolls are obviously a factor, but they are not the only one. The allocation of resources is a matter for local education authorities, and there is no substitute for good management, which also plays an important part in the improvement of standards.