HC Deb 23 June 1971 vol 819 c300W
Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of Cornish schoolchildren, as represented by what specific numbers, are being taught in classes of a size condemned as overcrowded in 1944; and what steps are being taken to ease this situation.

Mr. van Straubenzee

In January, 1970, 3,951 primary pupils, or 11.9 per cent., were in classes with over 40 on the register; 483 secondary pupils, or 2.3 per cent., were being taught, on specific dates, in groups of over 40 but this could include the grouping of classes for particular purposes. I expect the 1971 figures to be better. My right hon. Friend has increased the authority's minor building works allocations for 1971–72 and 1972–73 to help it to meet the need for more primary school places, and the quota of teachers for Cornwall in 1971–72 is higher by 136 than in the present school year.

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