§ Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will assess the effect which temporary reductions in teaching staff in small primary schools has upon standards of achievement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnThe staffing levels of maintained schools are matters for local education authorities to decide. The Government views on the educational effects of reducing staff in schools, as a result of falling rolls, were set out in circular 2/81.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to seek to amend the arrangement for determining teachers' pay by removing the provision for arbitration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephProvision for arbitration is built into the Remuneration of Teachers Act 1965: under that Act the rules governing arbitration are determined by the holder of my office. Since 1981 those have required the agreement of both sides before a reference to arbitration. That accords with general business practice and reflects the principle underlying employment legislation. I have no plans to make any amendment.