§ 24. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is prepared now, or at an early date, to make a statement of policy with regard to the size of classes in the primary schools.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)While it is the intention of the Government to reduce the size of classes in the primary school as soon as 19 circumstances permit, the present staffing position, viewed in relation to the raising of the school leaving age on 1st April, makes it impossible to effect any general reduction at present.
§ Mr. RankinHas the right hon. Gentleman no figure in mind as a target for reduction?
§ Mr. WestwoodYes, Sir. I would like to be able to reduce the size of classes to 40 as a general principle, and in certain cases to 30.
§ Mr. WillisCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the school leaving age will be raised and the staffing difficulties solved without increasing present sizes?
§ Mr. WestwoodThat is an entirely different question.