HC Deb 22 March 1937 vol 321 cc2555-6
58. Mr. Lyons

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can indicate what progress he anticipates for the present year in the reduction of size of classes where the number of scholars is 5o or more?

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

I anticipate a further diminution in the number of classes with over 50 scholars on the roll; but I am not in a position to forecast the rate of progress.

Mr. Lyons

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether, in view of the reductions that have been made, he will make expedition in 1937 to bring down the figure to what was intended to be done in this matter?

Miss Rathbone

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable number of graduates of good degrees and admirable training who are quite unable to find a job, and will he not consider expediting the reduction of the size of such classes so as to absorb the surplus teachers?

Mr. Shakespeare

Under the reorganisation scheme the number of classes of this nature will gradually diminish.