asked the Minister of Education approximately how many classes in primary schools now have over 40 and 50 scholars respectively; and to what extent the shortage of teachers is being overcome.

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the comparative position for January, 1946, and January, 1947, the latest date for which figures are available. These figures show a substantial improvement during 1946. The number of newly trained teachers now coming into the schools should make possible a further substantial reduction in the size of classes, although there remains a serious need for additional women teachers for the increasing number of infants.

Following is the table: