§ 35. Mr. Manderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will make an attempt to provide a uniform standard of allowances for secondary school pupils, in view of the variations at the present time between neighbouring authorities?
Mr. LindsayThe arrangements for the award of maintenance allowances to pupils in secondary schools are within the discretion of local education authorities, subject to the general approval of the Board. It is not proposed to suggest to authorities that they should adopt a uniform standard.
§ Mr. ManderIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the dissatisfaction that is caused when parents in an adjoining area find that other children are much better treated than their own; and does he not think it would be possible to arrange for some uniform scale?
Mr. LindsayI think that there is some justification for variation throughout the country, and that it shows the value of local freedom. There might be a case for neighbouring authorities to come to an amicable arrangement.