HC Deb 21 July 1955 vol 544 cc555-6
38. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Education how many technical colleges there are in England and Wales in respect of which 75 per cent. grant is paid by his Department to the local education authority.

Sir D. Eccles

Twenty-five colleges run courses which I have approved for this grant.

Mr. Stewart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cause of technical education would be greatly served if this grant were more widely available? Will he look again at the Regulations governing this matter?

Sir D. Eccles

I think the hon. Member will agree that the standards must be kept very high in order that the quality of the technologists who are trained shall be satisfactory to all concerned. If any other colleges come up to the standards, they will get the grant, but I do not think it would be right to debase the standards.