HC Deb 28 June 1921 vol 143 cc1981-3
44. Mr. RAWLINSON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the case of Mr. T. Boyd, who was unanimously recommended by the interviewing board of the Ministry of Labour, on the 11th January, 1921, for a grant for tuition and maintenance for the purpose of his reading in chambers as the pupil of a barrister, and whose case was characterised as a very suitable case; whether, a month later, Mr. Boyd's application was refused in toto by a Grant Committee on the sole ground that the grants for tuition could not be made to candidates who had already been called to the bar; whether any such rule exists in writing; whether grants have been made to barrister candidates; if such rule existed why was it not communicated to Mr. Boyd; and whether, having regard to the exceptional circumstances of the case, the Minister will reconsider the decision of the Department?

Sir M. BARLOW

I have inquired into the case cited by my hon. Friend. The Training Grants Scheme was designed to assist ex-service students in their training towards a professional qualification but was not intended to cover men already qualified. In certain special cases the Committee have awarded or continued grants to barristers for a short period after call. But on examination of Mr. Boyd's case they did not feel that the circumstances were such as to justify the expenditure of State funds.

Mr. RAWLINSON

Is there any such rule as is suggested, and, if so, why was it not communicated to Mr. Boyd instead of his being kept for two years in the belief that he was being recommended for the grant, thus allowing him to incur much expenditure?

Sir M. BARLOW

I am not aware that he was kept all that time waiting. It is not in accordance with my information.

Mr. RAWLINSON

If such a rule existed, why was it not communicated to him?

Sir M. BARLOW

Generally speaking, the reasons for the refusal of a grant are not communicated to those who make applications. In considering grants very confidential circumstances have to be taken into account, and the reasons for refusal are not communicated to the applicant.

Mr. RAWLINSON

Will the hon. Gentleman read the question? It says that the Committee recommended the case as thoroughly suitable for a double grant, and Mr. Boyd was allowed to go on that understanding for a long time until the recommendation was reversed by the act of the Government.

Sir M. BARLOW

It was not a Committee. It was a Provisional Examining Board, and the Committee did not accept the recommendation of the Board.