HC Deb 07 December 1976 vol 922 c132W
39. Mrs Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps she is taking to ensure that classes in schools have a maximum of 30 pupils.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The average size of classes in both primary and secondary schools has been considerably reduced during recent years and now stands below 30. My right hon. Friend has already made clear her wish to secure a reduction in the number of over-large classes, but in present economic circumstances the Government cannot provide for any further improvement in staffing standards.