§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to provide additional funding to(a) retain teachers and (b) reduce class sizes; and if he will make a statement. [1256]
§ Mr. HainLocal authorities have the discretion to decide how much of their available resources to allocate to individual services, such as education. Staffing levels in individual schools are then a matter for the governing body. The Education (Schools) Bill which had its second reading on 2 June phases out the Assisted Places Scheme leaving the way open to use resources to cut class sizes for 5, 6 and 7 year olds to 30 or under. We will be consulting shortly on proposals.