HC Deb 15 June 1994 vol 244 cc618-9W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many primary schools in each county in Wales have reduced the number of teachers following the introduction of formula funding; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

An analysis in terms of the number of schools could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, the number of teachers in primary schools in each county are given in the table. Formula funding was introduced in April 1990 and so the table compares the numbers of teachers at January 1990 with the most recent data available, which are for Janaury 1993.

There has been an overall increase of 354 teachers across Wales reflecting an increase in pupil numbers. In Powys and Gwynedd pupil numbers have fallen proportionately more than teacher numbers, so the pupil:teacher ratios have improved.

Mr. Gwilym Jones

Information relating to the number of people waiting for a first out-patient consultation at NHS hospitals in Wales on 31 March 1994 is due to be published in August 1994. Welsh health authorities and GP fundholders reported 130,440 people on their lists for a first out-patient consultation at 31 March 1994. These may include people waiting for consultations at hospitals outside Wales.

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