HC Deb 11 March 1954 vol 524 cc167-8W
46. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education how soon she expects her programmes for school building and the recruitment of teachers to result in a general reduction in the size of classes in primary schools.

Miss Horsbrugh

On present policies and if the annual wastage of teachers does not greatly exceed the existing level, the average size of classes in primary schools should begin to fall appreciably in about three years' time.

47. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education if she will cause a special investigation to be made into the existence of classes of over 50 pupils in grammar and secondary modern schools; and to report how many of these classes are assembled for registration purposes only.

Miss Horsbrugh

When the returns for January of this year have been received from the schools and, where necessary, investigated, I will let the hon. Member know how many of the classes to which he refers were assembled for registration purposes only.

62. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Education the number and percentage of oversized classes in schools in Wales and in English schools, respectively.

Miss Horsbrugh

In January, 1953, the number and percentage of oversized classes in maintained and assisted primary secondary schools (other than nursery and special schools) in Wales were 2,740 and 18 9, compared with 70,718 and 414 in England.