HC Deb 05 July 1938 vol 338 cc152-5
6. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many university scholarships were granted in each of the last three years to pupils from elementary schools?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)

I regret that the information desired is not available. Scholarships or bursaries at Scottish universities are awarded by many different bodies, and full information on the subject could only be obtained by special inquiries in many quarters.

Mr. Mathers

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that information upon this point in relation to England and Wales was given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, and can he say how it is that Scotland cannot stand up to as strict a provision of information as can England?

Mr. Colville

I have not seen the question to which the hon. Member referred, but I am sure that he will realise that scholarships and bursaries are awarded not only by universities but by many individuals and corporations as well as by educational authorities. I do not think that it is possible to give an accurate picture of the position regarding the question asked by the hon. Member.

Mr. Leach

That is an extraordinary answer, surely—[Interruption.]

7. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of under-graduates at each of the Scottish universities

— Total New Entrants to First Degree and Diploma Courses. Number included in Column (1) who began their education in an elementary school. Percentage of Column (2) to Column (1)—to nearest unit.
(1) (2) (3)
Per cent.
St. Andrews University (including Dundee University College). 170 106 62
Glasgow University 923 495 54
Aberdeen University 250 220 88
Edinburgh University 674 218 32
Totals 2,017 1,039 62

It should be noted that the figures in column (I) include students from overseas (who in 1936–37 formed over 13 per cent. of the whole student body at Edinburgh), whereas the figures in column (2) relate only to students coming from homes in Great Britain and originating from elementary schools. If information were available to enable the figures in column (I) to be confined to students from homes in Great Britain, the effect would be to increase somewhat the percentages in column (3).

8. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of children passing from elementary to secondary schools in Scotland during each of the last three years to the latest convenient date, and the percentage these numbers

who have come through ordinary elementary schools, and the percentage this represents of the total number of undergraduates at each university and of elementary schools pupils?

Mr. Colville

With the hon. Member's permission, I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving such information as is available on this subject.

Mr. Mathers

Was the number from elementary schools higher than 43 per cent., which is the English percentage?

Mr. Colville

It is higher.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Has not the lack of school accommodation something to do with the very low figure?

Mr. Colville

The figure is not low.

Following is the table:

The following figures relate to the academic year 1936–37:

represent of the elementary school population?

Mr. Colville

The number of children passing from primary schools and departments to secondary schools in each of the three years ended 31st July, 1937, 31st July, 1936, and 31st July, 1935, was 29,672, 29,274 and 30,245, respectively, representing in each case about 35 per cent. of the estimated numbers of children in the appropriate age group in State-aided shcools. If, however, account is taken of children passing to advanced divisions, the proportion in each case is estimated at about 88 per cent.

11. Mr. G. A. Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of classes in day schools in Scotland with a roll of 40 pupils or less, 41 to 45, 46 to 5o, and over 5o, respectively?

Mr. Colville

At 31st March, 1937, the date of the last complete return, the numbers were as follow:

40 pupils and under 15,364
41 to 45 pupils 4,091
46 to 5o pupils 3,271
Over 5o pupils 310
Since that date the number of classes of over 5o has been reduced to about 125.

Mr. Morrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the rate at which the larger classes are being eliminated?

Mr. Colville

I am not easily satisfied, but I know there has been a considerable advance.

Viscountess Astor

Is it not a fact that more than 2,000,000 children are in classes numbering more than 40 each in England and Wales?