HC Deb 10 May 1951 vol 487 cc2131-2
11. Mr. Morley

asked the Minister of Education how many local education authorities have announced their intention of giving university awards to all students in their area who are accepted by a university or university college for the session 1951.

Mr. Tomlinson

None: but 33 authorities have already adopted the procedure which I have recommended under which awards are offered to students who have been accepted by a university, have been recommended by them to have an award and have reached the advanced standard in two subjects in the examination for the General Certificate of Education.

Mr. Morley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in order to obtain the 19,850 entries to the universities this year which are necessary, local authorities will have to increase their awards from 8,850 last year to 9,650 this year, an increase of 800? Would it not be better to increase the State scholarships to 2,800 and so relieve local finances?

Mr. Tomlinson

No, I do not accept the implication in the figures which have been given. I would like to go into them. The latter suggestion is just impossible at this stage.

12. Mr. Morley

asked the Minister of Education the total expenditure of local education authorities in the years 1948, 1949 and 1950, respectively, on incidental expenses for four year university students, and the extension of major awards to intending teachers for the year of professional training, respectively.

Mr. Tomlinson

As the answer consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the Table:

EXPENDITURE BY LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITIES ON ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS IN DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION

1. Incidental expenses of students in the Departments of Education of Universities and University Colleges.

Academic Year 1948–49 … £49,164
Academic Year 1949–50 … £63,679

2. Awards to intending teachers for the postgraduate year of professional training.

Academic Year 1948–49 … £40,112
Academic Year 1949–50 … £48,285

3. Loans made to students in the Departments of Education.

Academic Year 1948–49 … £1,707
Academic Year 1949–50 … £203

Notes: (a) In 1 and 3 above it is not possible to give separate figures for four-year students and one-year (postgraduate) students.

(b) Figures for the Academic Year 1950–51 are not yet available.