§ 37. Mr. Charles Smithasked the Minister of Education whether he contemplates a more extensive use of his powers to 3331 compel local authorities to pay grants on the Ministry's approved scale to all students securing a place at a university.
§ Mr. HardmanAwards by local education authorities are made under arrangements approved by the Ministry of Education, and, in the majority of cases, follow the Ministry's scale. On present information my right hon. Friend sees no need for further measures, but he proposes shortly to examine with representatives of local authorities and others such questions as the scale and conditions of university awards.
§ Mr. SmithCan my hon. Friend say what steps are taken when a local authority scale falls below that recommended by the Ministry?
§ Mr. HardmanWhen we get particulars of such a case, we naturally inquire of the local authority, but I would point out to my hon. Friend that the Ministry's scales are fixed on recommendations of the University Scholarships Committee and are reviewed every three years. We hope very shortly to have consultations in order to see what revisions can take place.