Mr. ROBINSONasked the President of the Board of Education what steps have been taken in the West Riding of Yorkshire to reduce the classes in elementary schools to a maximum of 40 scholars; the number of classes containing under 40 scholars, under 50, under 60, and under 70, and if there are any with 80 scholars or more; what action has been taken by his Department during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1928, to reduce the sizes of classes in elementary schools; and in what districts there. Has been any improvement in the direction of reducing the size of classes in England and Wales?
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§ Lord E. PERCYIn the area of the West Riding, on 31st March, 1928, the number of classes of 40 and under was 3,062; of 41–50 was 1,284; of 51–60 was 927; of 61–70 was 2; and of over 70 was nil. I understand that the large classes are mainly in the parts of the authority's area where a rapid increase of population has recently occurred, and the position should improve as the new accommodation which the authority are providing becomes available. The Board have, by circular or otherwise, frequently called the attention of education authorities to this matter. A pamphlet will shortly be issued giving information about the size of classes in the area of each authority, which will show in what districts there has been an improvement.