HC Deb 06 April 1954 vol 526 cc175-6
8. Mr. Pryde

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial considerations he applies which prevent an apprentice in the county of Peebles from qualifying for a grant to attend the Heriot Watt or any other technical college for the purpose of improving his trade knowledge.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Education authorities are empowered to give grants towards fees, travelling expenses and incidental costs of attendance at technical colleges, but an apprentice may not qualify for grant if he, or a relative on whom he is dependent, is able to meet the whole cost.

Mr. Pryde

Are we to take it that there are stringent rules or a means test applicable to these regulations?

Mr. Stewart

The hon. Member will know that the bursary regulations previously applied and now applied, necessarily take account of the parents' means; that is an old-established custom.