HC Deb 21 July 1977 vol 935 cc651-2W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what measures she is taking to encourage shire and the Inner London Education Authority in the years 1975–76 and 1976–77.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Statistics of pupils and teachers in schools in England and Wales are collected as at January of each year. The figures for 1977 are not yet available. Pupil-teacher ratios for each local authority for January 1976 are available in the Library: the ratios for the areas specified were:

the simplification and standardisation of school uniforms.

Miss Margaret Jackson

My right hon. Friend's views on this subject were set out in a letter sent to all chief education officers on 26th May, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what measures she is taking to standardise local education authorities' policy on school uniform grants;

(2) what actions she intends to take to prevent local education authorities from issuing vouchers for school clothing grants.

Miss Margaret Jackson

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to similar Questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport, North (Mr. Bennett) on 19th July.—[Vol. 935, c. 530–1.]