§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many education authorities in England and Wales have been unable to maintain the staffing ratios in the school year 1976–77 as compared with 1975–76; and in which authorities the decline in staffing ratios has been greatest.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonIn January 1977, 14 of the 97 local education authorites in England had staffing standards in primary and secondary schools combined which were at least 0.1 more pupils per qualified teacher in school than in 1976. Surrey had the largest increase; however, the staffing standard in this authority in January 1977 was 19.5 compared to 20.2 for England. Comparable information for Wales is a matter for the Secretary of State for Wales.