HC Deb 15 February 1977 vol 926 c152W
26. Mr. Flannery

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she has any plans to reduce the size of classes in primary and secondary schools.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The average size of classes in both primary and secondary schools has been considerably reduced during recent years and now stands below 30. I should like to see no over-large classes, but in the present economic circumstances the Government cannot provide for any further immediate improvement in staffing standards. Local authorities have been asked to give the highest priority to the maintenance of present pupil-teacher ratios.