HC Deb 27 July 1977 vol 936 cc306-7W
Mr. Clemitson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the average size of class in primary, middle and senior schools, respectively, in England and Wales for the last year for which figures are available and for each of the preceding five years; and what are the comparable figures for the county of Bedfordshire.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The information in respect of the years 1971 to 1976 is as follows. Definitive figures for 1977 will become available shortly.

Mr. David Young

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many authorities in England and Wales have had their secondary education reorganised on comprehensive lines; how many have submitted plans for such reorganisation; and if she will name the authorities which have not submitted plans at the latest date for which figures are available.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Of 97 local education authorities in England, 23 are totally reorganised and a further 30 are expected to be reorganised by the end of the decade, subject in some cases to the availability of resources. Only one local education authority—Kingston upon Thames—has no comprehensive schools.

Letters were sent under Section 2 of the Education Act 1976 to eight authorities on 24th November 1976 and a further 26 authorities on 17th January 1977 requiring them to submit, within six months of the date of the letter, proposals for the reorganisation of the whole or part of their area. Of these, 14 have responded with complete proposals although not all these responses have been ratified by the full Council. By midday Monday 25th July no proposals had been received from Barnet, Berkshire, Birmingham, Bromley, Croydon, Dorset, East Sussex, Enfield, Gloucestershire, Hereford and Worcester, Kirklees, Manchester, North Yorkshire, Tameside and Warwickshire. With the exception of Birmingham, Croydon and Manchester these authorities have either been granted an extension to the time limit or have a request for an extension under consideration.

Matters for Wales are for my right hon. and learned Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales.