HC Deb 10 March 1938 vol 332 c2096
36. Mr. Day

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of persons awarded State scholarships who have declined them during the three years ended to the last convenient date; and what reasons have been put forward to his Department for such refusals?

Mr. Lindsay

Thirty-eight persons who were awarded State scholarships in the years 1935, 1936 and 1937 declined them. Of these, four decided to take up Royal scholarships which they had also been offered, four preferred grants for training as teachers, four wished to follow professional or industrial courses, and 14 had obtained Civil Service appointments. One hoped to enter the Royal Navy. Two declined on financial grounds, one of them assuming that the amount of his father's income would preclude the possibility of grant. In the remaining nine cases no reasons were given.

Mr. Day

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say the average amount it is necessary to find by the persons who are awarded these scholarships?

Mr. Lindsay

The State gives up to £100 maintenance, excluding fees, and the rest is made up in a variety of ways, partly by scholarships and partly from authorities.