§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will publish figures showing to what extent local education authorities are 530W finding it necessary to reduce their recruitment of new teachers in order to meet an increase in their total salary bill arising from the need to pay salary increments to existing staff.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonThe basis of the rate support grant settlement for 1976–77 was that provision for expenditure on teachers' salaries would be sufficient to maintain the staffing ratios attained in the school year 1975–76. The latest evidence is that local authorities collectively intend broadly to follow that advice.
§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any proposals under consideration for making changes in the machinery for negotiating teachers' salaries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonMy right hon. Friend has no such proposals under consideration at the present time.