HC Deb 03 February 1955 vol 536 cc149-50W
105. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education whether he is now able to state the number of classes in primary schools in Cardiff which had more than 40 children and 50 children, respectively, on their registers in October, 1954; and the comparative numbers for 1953 and 1951.

Sir D. Eccles

In January, 1954, the latest date for which information is available, there were 279 junior classes in Cardiff with more than 40 pupils, including 3 with more than 50. The comparable figures for January, 1953, were 238 and 12, and for January, 1951, 210 and 13 respectively.

Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education the total number of teachers employed in primary and secondary schools, respectively, in Cardiff in January, 1955; and what were the comparative numbers for 1953 and 1951.

Sir D. Eccles

The latest available figures show that in January, 1954, there were 857 full-time teachers in primary schools and 542 in secondary schools maintained by the Cardiff Authority. The comparable figures for January, 1953, were 838 and 548, and for January, 1951, 836 and 470, respectively.

Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the anxiety of Cardiff teachers at the state of education in Cardiff in view of the proposed cuts in the education estimates for that city; and whether he will make a statement.

Sir D. Eccles

The answer to both parts of the question is "No." The forecast submitted to me by the authority for 1955–56 shows an increase of nearly 8 per cent. over the corresponding expenditure shown in their revised estimates for the current financial year.