HC Deb 01 November 1956 vol 558 cc1588-90
8. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Education whether the West Riding of Yorkshire local education authority has accepted his recommendation that students gaining two advanced passes in the General Certificate of Education examination should be considered for university scholarship awards.

Mr. Vosper

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Chapman

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that since I raised with his Department a very shocking case which was brought to my notice, parents have been writing to me from all over the West Riding complaining that their children have attained better results than the minimum which the Minister has laid down and yet are still being refused scholarships, although they are awarded in neighbouring areas?

Mr. Vosper

That may be so, but my right hon. Friend's recommendations were that all those with two G.C.E. passes at the A level should be considered but should not automatically be given an award. That is the policy which the West Riding has been following.

9. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Education the number of university awards per 10,000 of the population made by the Yorkshire West Riding County Council; and how this figure compares with the figures for Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield, and for other neighbouring authorities.

Mr. Vosper

As the Answer contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Chapman

Do the figures show the West Riding in a relatively favourable or unfavourable light compared with its neighbours?

Mr. Vosper

The table which I will circulate contains the names of eight authorities, one of which is the West Riding. Five are more favourable from the hon. Member's point of view, and two are less favourable.

Following is the Answer:

1. Number of awards taken up at the beginning of the academic year 1955–56 per thousand of the population aged 13 to 15:

West Riding 17
Barnsley 22
Doncaster 15
Sheffield 20
North Riding 13
East Riding 20
Derbyshire 24
Lancashire 29