29.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in England and Wales.
In January 1979, the average ratio within maintained primary schools in England was 23·1 pupils per qualified teacher. Statistical information for schools in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
57.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what variation has occurred in the pupil-teacher ratio since 1970 in secondary schools in England and Wales.
The average ratios of pupils per qualified teacher within maintained secondary schools in England from January 1970 to January 1979, the latest date for which information is available, are given below. Statistical information about schools in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
| January | Pupil-teacher ratio |
| 1970 | 17·7* |
| 1971 | 17·9 |
| 1972 | 17·6 |
| 1973 | 17·1 |
| 1974 | 17·5 |
| 1975 | 17·2 |
| 1976 | 17·0 |
| 1977 | 17·0 |
| 1978 | 16·9 |
| 1979 | 16·7 |
| * Including unqualified teachers. | |
58.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assumptions are made in education spending plans over the next three years for pupil teacher ratios.
It is estimated that the overall pupil-teacher ratio, 18·9:1 in 1978–79, will improve to 18·7:1 in 1980–81. The Government have not yet announced their expenditure plans for years after 1980–81.