HC Deb 25 October 1956 vol 558 cc816-7
29. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education if he will state the numbers of classes of over 40 and over 50 pupils, respectively, in the primary and secondary schools of England and Wales at the latest date for which figures are available ; and how they compare with the figures for each of the last five years.

Sir D. Eccles

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Swingler

Before I study the figures, will the Minister indicate whether the tendency is for an increase or a decrease in the number of overcrowded classes in the last year?

Sir D. Eccles

They show an improvement for primary classes and a slight worsening for senior classes, but even so the senior schools' position is better than it was in 1951.

Following are the figures :

The numbers (for maintained and assisted schools other than Nursery or Special Schools) are set out in the following table :

Year (January) Junior Classes Senior Classes
Over 40 Over 50 Over 40 Over 50
1951 30,662 1,034 4,441 89
1952 35,163 1,180 3,863 60
1953 40,046 1,330 3,156 50
1954 40,447 1,145 3,304 44
1955 37,011 917 3,734 36
1956 (provisional) 33,589 621 4,181 64

N.B.—The figures for classes with over 40 pupils include those with over 50.