HC Deb 21 January 1985 vol 71 cc719-20
6. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how much was spent per pupil in secondary schools in Wales in the most recent year for which figures are available; and how much this compares with the figure for 1978–79, at constant figures.

The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. John Stradling Thomas)

In 1983–84 cost terms, the provisional figure for 1983–84 is £1,006, compared with a figure of £902 for 1978–79.

Mr. Knox

Does my hon. Friend agree that there has been a satisfactory increase in expenditure per pupil in Welsh secondary schools, at constant prices? Has that been reflected in an improvement in standards?

Mr. Stradling Thomas

I agree that the figures reflect the level trend being maintained in expenditure on education. In constant cost terms, local authority revenue spending on education in Wales, excluding school meals and milk, was virtually the same in 1983–84 as in 1976–77, despite the significant decline in pupil numbers. As to the second part of my hon. Friend's question, the Government are concerned to maintain and improve the quality of education to meet the needs of the future.

Mr. Roy Hughes

But what real progress is there if the Government are not taking advantage of the temporary drop in numbers? Currently, text books are at a premium, repairs and maintenance are crying out for attention and extra-curricular activities are being cut. Will the Minister confirm that the overall education budget for local education authorities from 1979–80 to 1983–84 has been cut in real terms by 2 per cent?

Mr. Stradling Thomas

I most certainly do not accept the hon. Gentleman's last point. While resources have held level, the number of pupils has declined markedly—by more than 10 per cent. between 1978 and 1984. That is not consistent with the allegation of heavy cuts.