HC Deb 02 July 1979 vol 969 cc478-80W
Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will send a circular to all local education authorities impressing upon them the need to maintain educational standards and, in particular, not to economise by reducing the number of teachers employed.

Dr. Boyson

No. The Conservative Government, however, are very greatly concerned to maintain and improve standards in all schools.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has had with teachers' organisations with regard to proposals by several local education authorities to reduce their teaching staff; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Boyson

None. Staffing levels are a matter for the individual authorities concerned and it will be for them to decide on the need for consultations with their local teachers' organisations.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has had with Hampshire education authority regarding its proposals to reduce the teaching staff in Hampshire by 400; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Boyson

None. It is for local authorities to decide how to allocate their financial resources among the various services they provide and, within their education budgets, to decide on how many teachers to employ.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of teachers in primary schools in England and Wales during the years 1974 to 1978 held ordinary or honours degrees.

Dr. Boyson

The percentage of full-time teachers in maintained primary—including nursery—schools in England and Wales who were graduates in the years stated are as follows:

Per cent.
1974 7.1
1975 8.3
1976 9.3
1977 (provisional) 10.2
1978 (provisional) 11.2

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total salary of a head teacher in England and Wales in a primary school with a roll of (a) 101 pupils, (b) 201 pupils, (c) 301 pupils, (d) 401 pupils, (e) 501 pupils, (f) 601 pupils, (g) 701 pupils, (h) 801 pupils, (i) 901 pupils and (j) 1,001 pupils.

Dr. Boyson

The salary scale payable from 1 April 1979 to head teachers in primary schools of the sizes specified are as follows:

£ £
(a) 6,228—6,864
(b) 6,558—7,302
(c) 7,104—7,848
(d) 7,503—8,247
(e) 7,962—8,706
(f) 7,962 8,706
(g) 8,454—9,198
(h) 8,454—9,198
(i) 9,027—9,774
(j) 9,027—9,774
These scales include a "payment on account" at the rate of £72 per annum which is to be recovered from the first stage, payable on 1 January 1980, of any increase resulting from a reference to the

UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS—ACADEMIC YEARS
University or College Full-time 1977–78 Sandwich Part-time* 1978–79Full-time and Sandwich
Aston 4,266 1,194 339 5,526
Bath 1,779 1,758 277 3,586
Birmingham 8,707 603 8,747
Bradford 1,795 3,030 388 4,908
Bristol 6,775 486 6,875
Brunel 493 2,060 948 2,683
Cambridge 11,043 958 11,373
City 2,019 689 430 2,782
Durham 4,358 226 4,310
East Anglia 3,687 97 3,935
Essex 2,671 120 2,809
Exeter 4,281 557 4,957

Standing Commission on pay comparability.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of primary teachers hold promoted posts, in England and Wales, not paid on scale 1.

Dr. Boyson

68 per cent. of full-time teachers in maintained primary—including nursery—schools in England and Wales at 31 March 1978—the latest information available—were not paid on scale 1.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the average salary of all teachers employed in primary schools in England and Wales.

Dr. Boyson

The average salary of teachers in primary schools in England and Wales is estimated to be £5,370. This figure is derived from teacher statistics for 31 March 1978, the average salary at that date being adjusted for the pay awards operative from 1 April 1978 and 1 April 1979—the latter includes £72, equivalent to the £6 monthly "payment on account".

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