HC Deb 03 March 1931 vol 249 cc187-8
29. Miss LEE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any reduction has taken place since October, 1929, in the number of classes in Scottish elementary schools with more than 40 pupils on the roll; and, if so, the amount of the reduction?

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

In the returns obtained prior to October, 1930, figures were not given in respect of classes of different sizes where the number of pupils on the roll was 50 or under, nor were primary schools separated from the primary departments of secondary schools. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to make the comparison which my hon. Friend desires. In a reply given to my hon. Friend last week, I gave the figures for 1930.

Miss LEE

Is the Secretary of State aware that there seem to be no figures available by which people interested in the question of the size of classes can measure the progress in the last 18 months, and will he consider supplying us the figures in some form?

Mr. SPEAKER

Major McKenzie Wood.

Miss LEE

I am sorry, but if the Secretary of State replied, I did not hear his reply.

Mr. SPEAKER

Major McKenzie Wood.

Miss LEE

May I ask your help, Mr. Speaker. As this is a matter which is of primary importance to the elementary schools of Scotland, can I get a reply?

Mr. ADAMSON

I consider it of such importance that I informed my hon. Friend that I was prepared to consider any suggestion which she has to make.