asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if there will be an improvement in staffing ratios of schools in 1979–80; and if reasonable central support will be available to secure this.

Forward expenditure plans, as published in Cmnd. 7049, allow for a continued improvement in overall pupil-teacher ratios in the school year 1979–80. Details will be announced after the rate support grant settlement for 1979–80—financial year—is announced on 24th November.