§ 37. Mr. Morleyasked the Minister of Education the pupil-teacher ratios in independent primary schools recognised by her Department as efficient, and in maintained primary schools, respectively.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Kenneth Pickthorn)In January, 1953, the last date for which figures are available, the pupil-teacher ratio for independent primary schools recognised as efficient was 12.3: the comparable figure for maintained primary schools was 32.3.
§ Mr. MorleyWhat steps does the Parliamentary Secretary intend to take to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in maintained primary schools?
§ Mr. PickthornThe only method is by the number of teachers being increased. My right hon. Friend is confident that the numbers are being increased and that the average size of classes in primary schools should begin to fall appreciably in about three years' time.