8. Mr. Lindsayasked the Minister of Education what steps she has taken to equalise the accessibility of university education as between different local education authorities.
§ Miss WilkinsonThe Regulations for Scholarships and Other Benefits, 1945, made under Section 81 of the Education Act, 1944, empower local education authorities to grant scholarships to pupils to enable them to obtain university education. In paragraphs 15 to 18 of Circular 26, which accompanied the draft Regulations, authorities are given guidance regarding the scope of their awards, and my Department endeavours to stimulate the less progressive authorities to make adequate provision.
Mr. LindsayIn view of the very encouraging statement made by the present Home Secretary, when Parliamentary Secretary, on this subject, will my right hon. Friend say whether she proposes toincrease the number of State scholarships or increase the grant to local education authorities, especially in order that prospective doctors, among others, can get assistance to go to the universities?
§ Miss WilkinsonI doubt if my right hon. Friend ever said anything about doctors, but, as regards the others, these matters are under constant consideration.