§ 23. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now review the arrangements for grants to students at universities and other comparable institutions with a view in particular to satisfying himself to what extent the present system of assessment of contributions by parents in middle income groups, when considered in conjunction with Income Tax, involves a double handicap.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartIn the present review of the Education Authority Bursaries (Scotland) Regulations, under which such grants are made, the point which the hon. Member has mentioned will be kept in mind.
§ Mr. MacphersonWill my hon. Friend also keep in mind the fact that many of these people in the middle income groups have fixed commitments which they cannot easily vary? Will he further bear in mind the comparison between these groups and those who have capital to supplement, as compared with those who have no capital to supplement, the university education of their children?
§ Mr. StewartYes, Sir.