HC Deb 26 May 1976 vol 912 cc254-5W
Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the teacher-pupil ratio for each of the primary schools within the Paisley constituency;

(2) what is the teacher-pupil ratio in the primary schools within the Renfrew District Council area;

(3) what is the average size of class in the primary schools situated within the Paisley constituency;

(4) how many classes in schools in the Paisley constituency there are where the teacher-pupil ratio is above the Scottish average.

Mr. McElhone

This information is not readily available centrally.

Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recommendaions or instructions he has given to education authorities on the steps to be taken in socially and educationally deprived areas regarding teacher-pupil ratios and other special measures to be taken.

Mr. McElhone

Education authorities are already aware that it is open to them to concentrate available resources on areas which they consider to be in need of special help; and I understand that they operate a wide variety of measures to help schools in such areas.

Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what he regards as the ideal pupil-teacher ratio.

Mr. McElhone

The ratio of pupils to teachers has to vary from one educational situation to another.