HC Deb 06 March 1952 vol 497 c634
16. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Education how many children were in attendance at county primary and county secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 1st April, 1951; and how many she estimates will be in attendance on 1st April, 1952.

Miss Horsbrugh

According to the local education authority's figures, there were 31,605 children in county primary and secondary schools in April, 1951, and there will be 33,671 in April next.

Mr. Short

In view of this considerable increase in the number of children, would the Minister not agree that a cut of 5 per cent., as far as the amount spent per child is concerned, would be a cut of considerably more than 5 per cent.?

Miss Horsbrugh

If the hon. Gentleman will look again at the circular he will see there was no thought of a cut of 5 per cent. on the amount spent per child. Included in that 5 per cent. was further education, recreational and vocational classes, administration, and other things.