§ 9. Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representions he has received regarding pupil to teacher ratios in Welsh schools.
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasThe Department has received about 100 letters during the last six months which contain references to the pupil-teacher ratio.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerIs my hon. Friend aware that the very satisfactory improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio during the years of Conservative Government none the less conceals disparities such as over-large classes, especially in primary schools? Will he issue guidance to education authorities to seek more flexible arrangements with the teachers' unions to ensure that teachers are available where they are most needed — in the over-sized classes of primary schools?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasThe overall teacher-pupil ratio has improved steadily during the past few years and is at its best ever level. However, I take my hon. Friend's point that, although that is a useful yardstick, we should not attach too much importance to it, because it is an average figure. Of course, there will be anomalies and difficulties. Local education authorities have my sympathy, but it is for them to manage their resources as best they can and to get the best provision possible within the resources available.
§ Mr. AndersonTwo of the Minister's hon. Friends have used the word "satisfactory" when referring to education in Wales. Will he send them a copy of the recent inspector's report and say when and in what form he intends to respond to that report?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI am aware of that report. It backs the contention of my hon. Friend. Such reports are meant to examine the position carefully. That does not mean that everything is perfect. Satisfactory and perfect are a long way from each other.