Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware that certain local authorities are prepared to give grants to students attending courses at the Birmingham Theatre School while others are not, and if he will take steps to review in consultation with the Secretary of State for Scotland the present arrangements with a view to ensuring a greater uniformity of practice regarding grants for students attending such colleges and schools.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsAwards for all further education courses, other than first degree and comparable courses, are made by local education authorities at their discretion as laid down in Section 2 of the 1962 Education Act. Guidance has been given in Circular 4/66 to authorities about the exercise of their statutory discretion in these matters. I do not at present see any need to add to this guidance.