HC Deb 31 January 1934 vol 285 cc357-8
50. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of applications for bursaries which have been made to the Education Committee of the Glasgow Town Council in 1932 and 1933, and the number that have been refused; and how many have been refused because the income to the household was too low?

Mr. SKELTON

The figures asked for in the first part of the question are 8,214 and 8,121, respectively, and in the second part, 561 and 629. I am not aware that any bursaries have been refused for the reason mentioned in the third part of the question. I should add, however, that the grounds for the grant or refusal of a bursary in a particular case are not available to the Scottish Education Department.

Mr. MACLEAN

Have not cases come to public notice recently in which that reason has been given for refusing a bursary; and will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries from the Glasgow Education Authority as to the numbers that have been refused for that reason?

Mr. SKELTON

My information is that no bursary has been refused for that specific reason, but I am prepared to make the inquiries asked for so long as the statement made in the last part of my answer is recognised.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the present time I have in hand two cases of that kind?

Mr. SKELTON

I am not aware of that, but, if the hon. Member desires to bring them before me, I shall be happy to look at them.

Mr. D. GRAHAM

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the other authorities in Lanarkshire?

Mr. SKELTON

If any specific cases are brought to my notice I will certainly consider them, but, as at present advised, I do not think I could make a general fishing inquiry without information.