§ 25. Sir D. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what have so far been the effects upon the public education system of England of the need to educate large numbers of children of Commonwealth immigrants; what extra numbers of children have been involved during the past two years; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedheadThe effects have been confined to the few areas much affected. Extra numbers have sometimes increased staffing difficulties, particularly in places short of teachers, and there have been some teaching problems particularly 1639 where the children know little or no English. The presence of classes with a large exotic element has sometimes altered the character of lessons, not always for the worse. Approximately 49,000 children of all ages under 16 were admitted from Commonwealth countries for settlement to the United Kingdom during the two years 1964 and 1965.
§ Sir D. RentonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that dependants are still coming in in large numbers and going to live in places where classes are already full? What are the Government to do about it?
§ Mr. RedheadA careful watch is being kept on this. It is impossible to generalise, because, as the right hon. and learned Gentleman will appreciate, the problem is that of only a small minority of schools in a limited number of areas. But in all respects a very careful watch is being kept. Where local education authorities have shown that they need extra teachers, their quota has been increased to make provision for them.