HC Deb 23 October 1952 vol 505 cc1257-8
36. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Education how many primary and secondary school classes there are now with over 60 pupils; where these schools are situated; and what special steps are being taken to reduce the numbers in these classes.

Miss Horsbrugh

The returns for last January showed that there were then nine classes in which there were 60 or more children being taught by one teacher. These have now been reduced in size through the provision of additional accommodation or an extra teacher.

Mr. Dodds

Does the right hon. Lady appreciate that much of the performance up to now is as a result of what happened when Labour were in office and the plans were made? Can she give an assurance that the plans which are now being made will mean that, in spite of the increased number of children entering the schools, these large classes will become even fewer in the next 12 months than they are at present?

Miss Horsbrugh

I can at any rate assure the hon. Gentleman that there were nine cases last January of classes of over 60 pupils and that that number has now been reduced; and that had to do with this Administration and not the last Administration. That is an improvement. I shall not receive the figures of the number in classes at present until a later date, but we have made an improvement in those nine classes.

Mr. Swingler

Has the Minister taken note of the enormous increase in the number of classes with over 50 pupils, and is that not a terrible condemnation of the fact that she has cut down the number of schools under construction from the 464 which were started in the first six months of 1951 to the 128 started in the first six months of this year?

Miss Horsbrugh

I have the numbers, and if the hon. Gentleman likes to put down a Question asking for the number of classes over 50, I shall be willing to give him all the facts. But I would also point out that the problem is the number of teachers we require for the extra number of children. The fact still remains that we are getting schools quicker at present. We are not starting more—I think too many were started—but we are getting school places quicker than under the previous Administration.