HC Deb 12 November 1973 vol 864 cc32-4W
51. Mr. Gowers

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement concerning the decision to place the Barry Public Library under the control and administration of the county council of South Glamorgan.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

On 2nd November my noble Friend the Paymaster-General received a deputation from the county council of Glamorgan and the district councils of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to discuss the decision not to make orders constituting the two district councils separate library authorities under Section 207 of the Local Government Act 1972. The deputation's representations are being considered and the result will be made known as soon as possible to the authorities.

51. Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will seek powers to amend the Local Government Act 1972 as it applies to Wales so as to vest the control and administration of public libraries unequivocally in the new district councils.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

No.

MAINTAINED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ENGLAND AND WALES
Pupils in classes with more than 30 pupils
Year Primary schools Percentage of all pupils in class Secondary schools Percentage of all pupils in class
Number Number
1961 … … 3,019,341 73.1 1,741,204 61.5
1962 … … 3,023,575 73.2 1,606,597 56.7
1963 … … 3,101,935 74.8 1,471,350 52.9
1964 … … 3,157,175 75.1 1,198,278 43.2
1965 … … 3,205,771 75.0 1,115,544 40.3
1966 … … 3,279,259 75.1 1,097,135 39.7
1967 … … 3,400,851 75.7 1,058,796 38.1
1968 … … 3,557,962 76.6 1,070,712 37.8
1969 … … 3,665,971 76.6 1,088,830 37.6
1970 … … 3,702,359 75.5 1,094,711 36.7
1971 … … 3,633,782 72.9 1,110,500 35.7
1972 … … 3,529,444 69.7 1,093,952 34.0
Notes:
1. Primary school classes are "as registered".
2. Secondary school classes are "as taught" except for the first three years, 1961–63 inclusive, when they are shown "as registered". The figures include all middle schools from 1970 onwards.
3. During the period the total primary school population increased from 4.1 million to 5.1 million and the secondary school population from 2.8 million to 3.3 million.
4. The period 1968–72 saw the phasing-out of unqualified teachers in charge of classes.

Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if she will make a statement on the transfer of control of the Llanelli Public Library to the new Dyfed County Council;

(2) what precise effect the order establishing the new Llanelli District Council as a library authority will have on the library service to be provided by the new Dyfed County Council.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

I cannot add at this stage to the answer I gave to a Question by the hon. Member on 5th November. Llanelli District Council has recently asked for a deputation to be received to discuss the matter and this is now being arranged.