§ 49. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reply he is sending to the letter from the British Medical Students Association requesting the establishment of a central grant issuing authority in Scotland in order to standardise the provision of awards for university study in Scotland.
§ Mr. J. StuartI have told the Association that, while there are differences in practice among education authorities in the assessment of bursaries, particularly as regards items of expenditure which vary in individual cases and in relation to which authorities must have a certain degree of discretion, I cannot agree that there are grounds for transferring award making functions to a central grant issuing authority. I am sending my hon. and gallant friend a copy of my reply to the Association.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present system leads to maldistribution of university students in relation to the university 28 resources of Scotland, and in particular is making it difficult for St. Andrew's University to have an adequate number of students?
§ Mr. StuartI can assure the hon. Gentleman that the number and value of university bursaries awarded by the education authorities have gone up very considerably in recent years—63 per cent. in number and no less than 127 per cent. in value. I think that due care is being taken of this matter, and I shall be very glad to send the hon. Gentleman a copy of my reply.