Menu
09/12/2009
Salmond's Class Size Claim Investigated
Two former presiding officers of the Scottish government are to investigate opposition claims that First Minister Alex Salmond misled parliament over class sizes.
Back in autumn 2007, Mr Salmond told Parliament that the government would fulfil a pledge to cut the sizes of some primary school classes to 18.
However, it emerged last week that this claim came two months after a civil servant warned it could not be done.
Mr Salmond himself has now referred the issue to a panel for consideration.
In the run-up to the Holyrood elections in 2007, the SNP said it would cap pupil numbers at 18 in the first three years of primary education.
Last week, a civil service memo from 2007 emerged, suggesting reducing class sizes would not be possible in the lifetime of the current parliament.
A spokesman insisted Mr Salmond was not made aware of the advice when he addressed MSPs in the autumn of that year.
A spokesman for the First Minister said he was "entirely confident" of being vindicated.
"The issue is so old its growing whiskers,” said Mr Salmond.
"We're more than happy to do this from a position of strength and because we're confident about the issue."
According to Mr Salmond's aides, the First Minister had not been made aware of the advice which was intended for the then Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
They said that the Scottish government concordat deal with councils made clear the ambition to make "year-on-year" progress towards the class size reduction pledge.
(NS/KMcA)
Back in autumn 2007, Mr Salmond told Parliament that the government would fulfil a pledge to cut the sizes of some primary school classes to 18.
However, it emerged last week that this claim came two months after a civil servant warned it could not be done.
Mr Salmond himself has now referred the issue to a panel for consideration.
In the run-up to the Holyrood elections in 2007, the SNP said it would cap pupil numbers at 18 in the first three years of primary education.
Last week, a civil service memo from 2007 emerged, suggesting reducing class sizes would not be possible in the lifetime of the current parliament.
A spokesman insisted Mr Salmond was not made aware of the advice when he addressed MSPs in the autumn of that year.
A spokesman for the First Minister said he was "entirely confident" of being vindicated.
"The issue is so old its growing whiskers,” said Mr Salmond.
"We're more than happy to do this from a position of strength and because we're confident about the issue."
According to Mr Salmond's aides, the First Minister had not been made aware of the advice which was intended for the then Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
They said that the Scottish government concordat deal with councils made clear the ambition to make "year-on-year" progress towards the class size reduction pledge.
(NS/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 December 2003
Second Class stamps to rise to 21p
The price of a basic Second Class postage will rise 1p to 21p from April 1 next year, but the price of a First class stamp will remain unchanged, it has been announced today. First Class prices for heavier letters will fall but there will be increases for heavier Second Class mail.
Second Class stamps to rise to 21p
The price of a basic Second Class postage will rise 1p to 21p from April 1 next year, but the price of a First class stamp will remain unchanged, it has been announced today. First Class prices for heavier letters will fall but there will be increases for heavier Second Class mail.
01 December 2009
Scottish Government Ministerial Changes
First Minister Alex Salmond has today announced changes to the Scottish Government's Ministerial team.
Scottish Government Ministerial Changes
First Minister Alex Salmond has today announced changes to the Scottish Government's Ministerial team.
16 January 2012
Cameron And Salmond Get Set For Talks
Britain’s Prime Minister and Scotland’s First Minister will arrange a meeting to discuss Scottish independence in the next few days, it has been revealed. PM David Cameron and Alex Salmond will discuss a referendum on Scottish independence with the meeting due to take place after Mr.
Cameron And Salmond Get Set For Talks
Britain’s Prime Minister and Scotland’s First Minister will arrange a meeting to discuss Scottish independence in the next few days, it has been revealed. PM David Cameron and Alex Salmond will discuss a referendum on Scottish independence with the meeting due to take place after Mr.
26 May 2011
Scotland's First Minister Sets Out Priorities
In his first major policy speech to the Parliament since being re-elected as First Minister, Mr Alex Salmond said the new Government has an 'ambitious agenda'.
Scotland's First Minister Sets Out Priorities
In his first major policy speech to the Parliament since being re-elected as First Minister, Mr Alex Salmond said the new Government has an 'ambitious agenda'.
23 April 2003
NUT adopt controversial measure over class sizes
Teachers could send children home if class sizes exceed 27 pupils under proposals ratified at the NUT annual conference in Harrogate. The controversial measure could see pupils sent home following the amendment which provides that members should refuse to teach over-size classes.
NUT adopt controversial measure over class sizes
Teachers could send children home if class sizes exceed 27 pupils under proposals ratified at the NUT annual conference in Harrogate. The controversial measure could see pupils sent home following the amendment which provides that members should refuse to teach over-size classes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
