HC Deb 10 April 2002 vol 383 c114W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many classroom and teaching assistants and nursery nurses are employed in England; and what the ratio was to pupil numbers in(a)1996 and (b)at the latest date for which figures are available. [42091]

Mr. Timms

The information requested is shown in the table.

and if she has a strategy for her Department to encourage members of staff to become locally elected democratic representatives. [44543]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

My Department does not hold this information centrally and could provide it only at disproportionate cost.

Section 50 of the Employment Rights Act (ERA) 1996 requires employers to allow their staff reasonable time off for public duties. The Civil Service Management Code (paragraph 9.2.5) also requires Departments to allow time off for attendance required by section 50 of the ERA 1996. My Department demonstrates its support to employees who are elected representatives by allowing them special leave with pay to perform the duties associated with their office.