§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much money could be saved and what overall percentage rate reduction could be made if the pupil/teacher ratio full-time equivalent per thousand pupils was reduced to that obtaining in 1979, 1975 and 1970.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleIf teacher numbers were reduced as quickly as possible to give the arithmetical overall 1979, 1975 and 1970 pupil/teacher ratios, the full year savings on my expenditure programme at 1980 survey prices would be about £20 million—equivalent to an approximate estimated rate reduction of 0.08 per cent. — £150 million (0.7 per cent.) and £400 million (2 per cent.) respectively. Because of the changing age distribution of pupils, the savings would be significantly reduced if calculated to allow for the maintenance of pupil/teacher ratios for primary and secondary pupils separately for the years in question.