HC Deb 06 May 1926 vol 195 cc424-5
5. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Education the reduction in the number of classes with over 50 children in the public elementary schools in England and Wales on 31st March, 1926, as compared with 30th September, 1924?

The PRESIDENT of the Board of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)

The returns relate to the period ending 31st March in each year, and the latest available for comparison are for the 31st March, 1924, and the 31st March, 1925. On the latter date there were 21,318 class is with more than 50 children on the registers, as compared with 24,972 on the 31st March, 1924, a reduction of 3,654.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand that that is the direct result of the policy of the Minister of Education?

Lord E. PERCY

The hon. Member can form his own conclusions on that point.

Mr. PALING

Is that procedure likely to continue during the next year?

Lord E. PERCY

Yes, certainly.