§ 43. Mr. LAWSONasked the President of the Board of Education if he will state the number of boys and the number of girls attending schools inspected by officers of his Department and the reason for the reduction of the number of male inspectors from 137 to 135 and the number of women inspectors from 58 to 57; and whether, having regard to the numbers of women teachers and girl scholars, he will consider the question of increasing the proportion of women inspectors?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)In the year 1931, the number of boys in full-time attendance in various types of schools inspected by the Board was about 3,123,000, and of girls about 2,991,000. The apparent reduction in the number of male inspectors to which the hon. Member refers is due to the fact that provision was made in last year's Estimates for two additional posts of Art inspector which were not, in fact, filled. My right hon. Friend decided that in the interests of economy they should remain unfilled during the current financial year, together with one vacancy now existing in the women's establishment. The proportion of boys to girls in inspected schools is only one amongst many factors in determining the ratio of men to women in the inspectorate.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs my hon. Friend aware that there is much overlapping between various inspectors, and will he take steps to reduce the numbers employed?