§ 15. Miss Baconasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that some students of the Leeds College of Technology were awarded two-year grants to enable them to study for the Ordinary Diploma of Building, but that that Diploma has been 188 abolished in favour of a three year Higher National Diploma; that those students who obtained grants from the Ministry of Education are to be allowed to study for three years, while those awarded grants through the Ministry of Labour have been refused a third-year grant; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. IsaacsTwo students eligible for grants under the Further Education and Training Scheme to study for a qualification higher than the Ordinary National Diploma were given grants, in the first place, to study for the Ordinary National Diploma, as no courses for the Higher National Diploma were then available at Leeds. These grants were extended when higher training became available. Three students, not eligible for grants under the Further Education and Training Scheme were given grants under the Vocational Training Scheme to study for the Ordinary National Diploma. In spite of the change in the courses at Leeds, special arrangements have been made for them to complete their two-year course and take the Ordinary National Diploma as planned.
§ Miss BaconWill my right hon. Friend say when these arrangements were made? I wrote to him last November, and he promised me that they would be made, but I have received further letters within the last fortnight saying that no such arrangements have been made.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am advised that the arrangements have been made. I do not know the date on which they will come into operation, but I will find out and let my hon. Friend know.