§ 48. Sir L. Ropnerasked the Minister of Education how many new teachers qualified during 1952; and by how many the number is still below requirements.
§ Miss HorsbrughAbout 15,600, which was sufficient to increase the number of teachers in maintained primary and secondary schools by about 5,000. In spite of the very big increase in the number of children in the schools during the year, this produced a staffing standard somewhat better than in 1950.
§ Mr. J. JohnsonIs it not lack of school buildings and not lack of teachers which is preventing us reducing the size of classes at the moment?
§ Miss HorsbrughBoth factors are involved. I know that the hon. Gentleman will be very glad that we have had this record increase this year of an extra 5,000 teachers.
§ 50. Dr. Kingasked the Minister of Education the total expenditure on teachers' salaries in State schools in 1952; and how much of this was borne by the local authorities.
§ Miss HorsbrughOn the basis of the revised estimates of local education authorities for the financial year 1952–53 the total estimated cost of teachers' salaries in schools and other institutions maintained by those authorities is about £148 million, of which 40 per cent. falls as a net charge on the rates.