HC Deb 18 November 1948 vol 458 cc533-5
10. Mr. R. A. Butler

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to voluntary training colleges and their students by delays in paying grants; and whether he will institute a system of regular payments made in good time to meet the commitments of those concerned.

Mr. Tomlinson

The British and Foreign Schools Society, which is responsible for three training colleges, has complained that the present arrangements for the payment of grant are causing them, inconvenience, and my Department is discussing this complaint with them. So far as I am aware, there have been no other recent complaints or criticisms.

Mr. Butler

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is expected that three-tenths of the annual grant should be paid at the beginning of each term and that in each case this grant is delayed, according to my investigation, in the colleges mentioned? The Ministry has to lay down some approved fees for the students, and if these fees are not laid down in time it causes inconvenience to the students?

Mr. Tomlinson

I have these points in mind, and I think that they can be cleared up.