§ 9. Mr. Yatesasked the Minister of Education how many primary classes there are in Birmingham with more than 40 children; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the present state of overcrowding in Birmingham primary schools.
§ Sir D. EcclesIn January, 1954, there were 2,078 junior classes in Birmingham with more than 40 pupils. As new schools are completed and the primary school numbers pass their peak the pressure on these classes should ease. This improvement must depend partly on the ability of the Authority to recruit the necessary teachers. I shall do what I can to assist them and other hard pressed authorities in this matter.
§ 10. Mr. Yatesasked the Minister of Education how many secondary classes there are in Birmingham; how many classes are oversized; whether he is aware that the present overcrowded conditions are the worst within the West Midland region; and what action he in tends to take to remedy this position.
§ Sir D. EcclesIn January, 1954, there were 1,566 senior classes in Birmingham schools of which 1,295 had more than 30 pupils. This proportion of oversize senior classes is the highest in England and Wales. It has however been falling and, provided that the authority can recruit the necessary teachers, it will continue to fall as Secondary School projects now under construction or included in building programmes are completed.