HC Deb 14 February 1939 vol 343 cc1530-1
20. Mr. Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of school classes in Glasgow with 50 or more pupils?

Mr. Wedderburn

On 13th January, 1939, there were in Glasgow 165 classes with 50 pupils, and 62 with over 50 pupils, on the roll.

Mr. Davidson

Have the Scottish Office any particular plans with regard to an early reduction of the number of classes with over 50 pupils?

Mr. Wedderburn

As the hon. Member knows, our code of regulations prescribes that the number of pupils in a class should not exceed 50, unless in exceptional circumstances. I think the most common reason in Glasgow for these classes of over 50 is the rapid transfer of the population from one part of the city to another. The number is only about one-half what it was last year.

Mr. Westwood

Does the figure referred to by the hon. Gentleman mean 50 on the roll or 50 in attendance?

Mr. Wedderburn

I said there were 165 classes with 50 pupils exactly, and 62 with over 50.

Mr. Westwood

I am asking whether that means 50 in attendance or 50 on the roll, because that makes an average difference of three to four in the size of classes?

Mr. Wedderburn

It is on the roll.

Mr. Charles Williams

Why is it that these Socialist authorities always lag so much in progress in anything like education?

Mr. Davidson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that since the Socialist majority came into being the number of big classes has been reduced?