HC Deb 14 April 1949 vol 463 c3011
14. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Education what action has he taken to abolish the practice of certain local education authorities of making loans to students instead of giving assistance by way of grant.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Tomlinson)

Local education authorities are fully aware from a Circular issued in 1945 of my Department's objections to the practice of making loans, and the number of authorities doing so has greatly diminished. I have refused to approve new arrangements for initiating or extending the practice. If as I expect there is in the near future a general review of local authorities arrangements this will give me an opportunity to press for the practice to be abandoned.

Mr. Chetwynd

But is my right hon. Friend satisfied that those local authorities still carrying on this practice are paying adequate attention to his circular?

Mr. Tomlinson

I think so. I have drawn their attention to it on three occasions.