HC Deb 22 May 1972 vol 837 cc289-90W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will tabulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the projected statistics of teacher supply based on present policies for each of the years 1973 to 1983, incorporating high and low estimates of wastage and graduate recruitment, respectively, together with respective estimates of school population and overall pupil/teacher ratios.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Following are the projected numbers of teachers and pupils in maintained primary and secondary schools on which the estimates of expenditure given on pages 49–50 of "Public Expenditure to 1975–76" (Cmnd. 4829) were based:

Financial Year Teachers ('000) Pupils ('000) Pupils per Teacher
1972–73 … 399 8,559 21.5
1973–74 … 416 8,919 21.4
1974–75 … 433 9,001 20.8
1975–76 … 448 9,072 20.3

The assumptions on wastage and graduate recruitment were the best then available. These projections will be revised in the light of latest information on these and other matters in preparation for the next Public Expenditure White Paper.

I cannot usefully make longer term projections until major issues which my right hon. Friend is now reviewing concerning the rate and direction of development of the educational system have been resolved.

Mr. Montgomery

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she has now received the report of the arbitral body appointed to determine the pay of school teachers in England and Wales.

Mrs. Thatcher

Yes. The arbitrators have proposed revised scales from 1st April, 1972 within the present structure, which produce for most teachers an increase of 9 per cent. with somewhat higher increases for the lowest paid. There are minor structural changes. The allowance for teachers in schools of exceptional difficulty is raised to £105. The London allowance remains unchanged for the time being.

I estimate that the proposals entail an increase of £67 million in this year's salaries bill.

I am informing the parties today that the Government accept the award.

I will arrange for copies of the report to be placed in the Library.

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