§ 4. Mr. Hollandasked the Minister of Education what are the latest figures for the average size of classes in primary and secondary schools, respectively, in the Borough of Acton; and what are comparative figures for the country as a whole.
§ Sir D. EcclesIn January, 1959, the average size of junior classes in Acton was 36.1 and the average size of senior 629 classes 28.9. The comparable figures for England and Wales were 33.1 and 30.4, respectively. The figures for January, 1960, are not yet available.
§ Mr. HollandI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but would he not agree that the standard of secondary education depends on the effectiveness of primary teaching, and that, therefore, the primary classes should be brought down to the same size as the secondary classes? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Would he not also agree that 30 should be regarded as the maximum rather than as the average?
§ Sir D. EcclesI quite agree with my hon. Friend that primary education is of the greatest importance to success in secondary schools. We have some way to go before we get down to the official figure.