§ Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Education if he will give the approximate percentage of classes in Government-aided schools in which the numbers of pupils exceed the number announced as desirable; and how many new rooms or schools would be required to correct this situation.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIn January, 1949, the latest date for which information is available, registrations in about 40 per cent. of the classes in maintained primary and secondary schools in England and Wales exceeded 30 in nursery classes, 40 in junior and infant classes, and 30 in senior classes. It is estimated that if all pupils could be registered in clasess not exceeding these totals, about 11,500 additional classrooms would be required. Owing, however, to the uneven distribution of the school population throughout the country the actual requirement of additional classrooms would be greater than this.
As I explained in the answer I gave on 4th May, 1950, to questions by the hon. and gallant Members for Wembley, North (Wing Commander Bullus) and 30W Norfolk, Central (Brigadier Medlicott), in a number of cases, particularly in secondary schools, children are taught in smaller classes than are assembled for registration.