50. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Education if he is aware that awards made by local education authorities to students attending technical colleges vary widely; if he is satisfied that the present policy of some local education authorities of discriminating between awards paid to students attending degree and diploma courses is not imposing too heavy a burden on students; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir D. EcclesI am aware that these variations exist. I have already taken steps to eliminate them for students over 18 pursuing degree courses or courses of equivalent status. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular in question and would draw his attention to paragraph 7.
51. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Education if he is aware that many potential technical college students wishing to study in a technical college particularly suited to their needs, but which is situated outside their own local education authority area, are dissuaded from doing so by the policy of charging out-county fees; and if he will make similar arrangements for British students as have been made by the recent amendment to the Local Education Authorities (Further Education) Regulations, 1954, for foreign students taking full time further education courses in this country.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, Sir. I believe that local education authorities are generally prepared to authorise extra-district attendance where that is reasonable, and in such cases out-county fees are not charged.