HC Deb 20 December 1956 vol 562 cc1443-5
27. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Education to what extent the Yorkshire West Riding education authority has now agreed to increase the number of university awards it offers; and how the new figures will compare with those for Lancashire and for other comparable authorities.

Sir D. Eccles

I understand that the authority is revising its selection arrangements. I have not yet received its detailed proposals, but I would expect the number of awards to be given to depend on the number of suitable candidates, and not to be limited to a total fixed in advance.

Mr. Chapman

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the sort of figure which is being discussed in the West Riding, taken on the basis of last year's university awards, would mean an increase of 60 in grants, whereas if the children were living in Lancashire some 200 or 300 more would have got grants on the basis of the policy pursued in Lancashire? Does not that mean that the West Riding is still going to be open to the charge, now being made nationally against it, of niggardliness and parsimony?

Sir D. Eccles

As the matter is under discussion, I had better wait and see what actual proposal is made to me.

28. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of protests made by headmasters, divisional executives and parents in the area, and in view of cases which have been brought to his notice, he will ask the West Riding of Yorkshire education authority to conduct a special review of the cases of university students who have been refused awards in the last two years, with a view to helping sonic of those who have suffered from its recent policy.

Sir D. Eccles

As I have just told the hon. Member, the authority is revising its selection arrangements, but I would not expect it on this account to undertake a general review of the cases in which applications for awards have been rejected in the past.

Mr. Chapman

Why not? Is it not the case that there are students who have got themselves into the universities and are now trying to pay their way, when they come from the West Riding, whereas their colleagues at the universities from other counties are getting substantial help? Is there not therefore a case for reviewing the position of those who are going to universities and are now suffering?

Sir D. Eccles

Now that there is a Conservative majority in this council it is reviewing the bad policy of its predecessors. If it puts forward any proposals for students who are already at the universities I shall welcome them. I do not think that a general retrospective review is called for.

Mr. Chapman

rose—

Mr. Hobson

As a Member for a West Riding constituency, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he does not think that undue bias is being shown by the West Riding County Council with regard to these grants? Does not he think that his Department ought to use the powers it possesses to review the whole position? It is all very well reversing the policy, which is at present taking place, but it is another thing to penalise those who have won their places at the universities and who should be beyond the to-and-fro of party politics.

Sir D. Eccles

I agree with the lion. Member for Keighley (Mr. Hobson). In the past, this county council appears to have pursued a very niggardly policy, which is now being reviewed. The council has promised to send me proposals based on the review, and it seems sensible to wait for those proposals before I make any decision.

29. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Education to what extent the Yorkshire West Riding Education Authority regularly reviews the cases of university students who have not received awards, with a view to helping those who show promise in university examinations; and whether he will issue a circular to local education authorities encouraging this practice.

Sir D. Eccles

The authority does not make any such review. Many authorities are prepared exceptionally to entertain applications for awards from students who are already at university. I see no need for a circular on the matter.

Mr. Chapman

Cannot local education authorities, like other people, make mistakes in the first place, and should not the Minister encourage them to review cases where they have made mistakes, and where a lad or girl has shown promise later on?

Sir D. Eccles

The hon. Gentleman forgets that although this authority has made mistakes it is now seeing how the mistakes can be put right. I assure him that it would be better to allow it to put its proposals up to me.