HC Deb 07 May 1970 vol 801 cc157-9W
8. Mr. Hefter

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary classes with more than 40 children exist in Liverpool; what percentage that is of the total; and what were the comparable figures 12 months ago.

Miss Bacon:

In January, 1969, 420, or 20.9 per cent., but in September, 1969, 127, or 6.0 per cent. of which 52 had 41 pupils.

10. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the present number of primary school classes with more than 40 children.

Miss Bacon:

In January, 1970, about 9,000, or 6 per cent. of primary classes in England and Wales.

11. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the capital cost of reducing all school classes to less than 40.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by what date all school classes will be reduced to 40.

Miss Bacon:

I hope and believe that by September, 1970 there will be very few classes over 40, and that this will have been achieved without any substantial additional capital expenditure. There are likely to be always some places where classes exceed 40 for brief periods.

38. Mr. Moyle

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary classes with more than 40 children exist in the Borough of Lewisham; what percentage that is of the total; and what were the comparable figures 12 months ago.

Miss Bacon:

In January, 1969, 47 or 6.4 per cent., but in January, 1970, 29 or 3.7 per cent.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary classes with more than 40 children exist in Harlow; what percentage that is of the total; and what were the comparable figures 12 months ago.

Miss Bacon:

In January, 1970, 7 or 2.2 per cent. In January, 1969, 39 or 12.6 per cent.

Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary classes with more than 40 children exist in Luton and Dunstable; what percentage that is of the total; and what were the comparable figures 12 months ago.

Miss Bacon:

January, Classes over40 1970 Percentage of total January, Classes over 40 1969 Percentage of total
Luton 32 5.6 87 16.6
Dunstable 22 19.8 27 26.7

Mr. Brian Parkyn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary classes with more than 40 children exist in Bedford; what percentage that is of the total; and what were the comparable figures 12 months ago.

Miss Bacon:

In January, 1970, 14 or 6.2 per cent; in January, 1969, 15 or 6.8 per cent.