HC Deb 03 November 1969 vol 790 cc30-1W
Mr. van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what percentage of secondary school pupils is in classes over 40 at the nearest available date;

(2) what percentage of children is in primary schools classes over 40 at the latest convenient date ;

(3) how many primary school classes there are over 40 and secondary school classes over 30 at the latest available date.

Mr. Edward Short

In January, 1969, 1–5 per cent. of secondary school pupils and 12.9 per cent. of primary school pupils were in classes over 40. There were 13,947 primary classes over 40. i.e. 9.5 per cent. of all classes, and 38,852 secondary classes over 30. The figures are for classes as registered, which, in relation to secondary schools in particular, are a very unreliable measure.