HC Deb 23 February 1931 vol 248 c1769
77 and 79. Miss LEE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) the average size of classes in Scottish elementary schools on June, 1929, and on the latest date for which figures are available;

(2) the numbers and percentage of classes in Scottish elementary schools with 40 or more pupils on June, 1929, and on the latest date for which figures are available?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. William Adamson)

As was explained to the hon. Member on 3rd December, 1929, the particulars for June of that year are not available. On 31st October, 1930, the latest date for which figures are available, the average size of classes in Scottish primary schools, including advanced divisions in such schools, was 36.9 on the basis of the number of children on the roll. On the same date the number of classes with more than 40 pupils on the roll was 8,014, or 45.2 per cent. of the total of classes in such schools.

Miss LEE

Can the Secretary of State indicate whether in the last 18 months there has been any reduction in the size of classes or in the number over 40, as the one figure that has been given is not very helpful?

Mr. ADAMSON

I must ask the hon. Member to put that question on the Paper.