§ 7. Mr. Corlettasked the Minister of Education what steps she proposes to take to ensure that a fair proportion of the new scholarship provision is spread out among the seven universities and to reduce the present high proportion of State scholars going to Oxford, Cambridge and London.
§ Miss WilkinsonThe supplemental awards, for which the new scholarship arrangements provide, will be attached to the open scholarships and exhibitions awarded by the several Universities. I am anxious to ensure a better distribution of State scholars among the various Universities, and in the further consideration which I am giving to the question of awards to University students, I will certainly keep in mind the point to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention.
§ Mr. Wilson HarrisIn the event of a State scholar desiring to go to Cambridge or, less comprehensibly, to Oxford, would the right hon. Lady frustrate that laudable desire?
§ Miss WilkinsonIt is not a question of frustrating the desires of any individuals. The hon. Gentleman will realise that it is really not a healthy state of affairs that, as at present, nine out of every ten State scholars somehow get themselves to Oxford, Cambridge or London. It is only wise, I think, if we are to bring up the standard of the others, that the cream should be more widely spread.