HC Deb 30 July 1937 vol 326 cc3510-1
30. Mr. Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what steps are in active progress for the reduction in the size of those school classes in the city of Leicester where there are 40 or more pupils on the roll?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)

I must remind the hon. Member that the rule that the number of children in a class should not exceed 40 applies only in the case of senior children: in the case of younger children the maximum is 50. As regards the 48 classes in Leicester with more than 50 on the roll on 31st March last, inquiry has shown that by the end of last month the number had been reduced to 38, and that steps were being taken by which the remainder will be eliminated as soon as possible. The cases of classes of senior children exceeding 40 on the rolls are being investigated.

Mr. Lyons

Can the hon. Member give the House an assurance that it is the aim of the Department to put an end to these large classes in the efficient control of education?

Mr. Lindsay

Yes, we do press on with this matter as fast as possible, but I would remind my hon. and learned Friend that it is not quite so simple. There are cases in Leicester and elsewhere, where on new housing estates there is a shortage of accommodation. However, we intend to press on with the matter.

Mr. Lyons

Where there are new housing estates and there seems to be no accommodation, are steps being taken to provide schools at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Lindsay

Yes, Sir.