§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of ordinary classes in primary schools contained more than 30 pupils in January 1998. [73110]
§ Mr. HainIn January 1998, 28 per cent. (2,735) of ordinary classes in primary schools had more than 30 pupils.
On the basis of grant approvals for local authorities to employ additional teachers from September 1998 to reduce infant class sizes, it is estimated that there are 722 fewer infant classes with over 30 pupils than would have been the case without grant. The additional £50m provided for schools in the local government revenue settlement for 1998–99 will also have had an impact. The results of the January 1999 schools' census will give the actual position.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.