HC Deb 11 November 1943 vol 393 c1300W
Mr. Lindsay

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of an increase in the number of classes containing over 50 children; and what is he proposing to do about it?

Mr. Butler

For the country as a whole no recent figures are available, but there is reason to believe that in some districts there has been an increase in the number of these over-large classes. The problem is partly one of accommodation, but mainly one of the distribution of teaching staffs. The repair of damaged schools and the provision, where practicable, of prefabricated buildings, are providing additional accommodation where that is required, and I am sending the hon. Member copies of circulars which explain what is being done to secure re-distribution of teaching staffs.