§ 5. Mr. Hollandasked the Minister of Education how many primary schools provide a remedial class for backward readers; and whether provision for such a class is made in deciding the quota of teaching staff of each primary school.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe arrangements for giving special help to backward readers vary from one place to another. Precise statistical information is not available. I do not fix quotas for individual schools but the formula used in calculating quotas for each local education authority makes an allowance for special classes in ordinary schools.
§ Mr. HollandIs my right hon. Friend aware that at a primary school in my constituency, which happens to be fortunate enough to have a remedial class for backward readers, I have seen children brought forward from a nil reading ability last September up to the average ability of 9-year-olds and 10-year-olds in January? Could he not, on this his namesake's day in the Church calendar, decide to take more active steps to increase the more universal provision of these facilities?
§ Sir D. EcclesI agree with my hon. Friend that these special classes produce remarkable results, and I should like to see them increased
§ Mrs. WhiteWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this work can be particularly well done by married women, teaching possibly part-time who are ex-quota?
§ Sir D. EcclesI think that suggestion is well worth pursuing.