§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his general policy towards the teacher-to-pupil ratio in schools in the light of falling school rolls.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend acknowledged in the White Paper "Better Schools" that some further limited improvement in the overall pupil-to-teacher ratio would be needed in order to give effect to the Government's policies for the curriculum and examinations. The extent to which the improvement can be achieved, and the pace of any change, must depend on future public expenditure plans. The benefits to be gained from any improvement will depend on local education authorities seeking to deploy teachers to maximum effect, taking account of changes m pupil numbers.