§ 14. Mr. HANNONasked the President of tae Board of Education what is the number of secondary and elementary schools built or improved from the beginning of 1925 up to the latest date for which figures are available; in how many instances have classes been made smaller in elementary schools; and how many free places have been added in secondary schools during the same period?
§ Lord E. PERCYPlans have been approved for the erection of 494 new elementary schools and of 51 new secondary schools since the beginning of 1925. In the same period plans for the improvement or replacement of 3,200 elementary schools and of 717 secondary schools have been approved. These figures do not take account of minor improvements for which plans are not required. On the 31st March, 1925, there were 21,332 classes in elementary schools which had more than 50 children on the registers. By the 31st March, 1928, this number had been reduced to 16,686. The number of free places in secondary schools has increased from 128,758 on the 1st October, 1924, to, approximately, 157,000 on the 1st October, 1928.
§ Mr. HANNONDoes not that indicate a very substantial advance in the development of public education in this country in that period?
§ Lord E. PERCYI think so—yes.