§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received to increase the numbers of teachers in Welsh schools; and if he proposes to make available funds to enable Welsh local education authorities to increase the numbers of classroom teachers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsLocal education authorities have drawn attention to the implication for the staffing of schools of the Government's policies to improve the quality of education. Against the background of rapidly falling pupil numbers, the Government's expenditure plans assume that authorities will further reduce the number of teachers they employ, but that the overall pupil teacher ratio, currently at its best ever level, will continue to improve.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of teacher shortages in schools in Wales in the following subjects: mathematics, various sciences, crafts, art, design and technology.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe best available measure of teacher shortages in Wales in mathematics, science subjects, crafts, art, design and technology is given in table 20 of the Welsh Education Statistics Bulletin: No. 1 1986 — "Secondary School Staffing Survey". The following information taken from that table shows the percentage of periods taught by teachers with and without qualifications in each of the relevanat subjects.