HC Deb 08 July 1957 vol 573 cc21-3
31. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications he has received for financial grants to enable students to undertake agricultural college courses for the national diploma in the forthcoming session; and how many awards he has made.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. J. B. Godber)

Ninety-six applications have been received for awards for diploma courses. Ten applicants have been offered awards for diploma courses at agricultural colleges beginning next October, and three for diploma courses at universities and farm institutes.

Mr. Jeger

In view of the large number of applicants, does not the hon. Member think that more of these courses should be made avaliable if we are to obtain a more scientifically conducted agriculture in future years?

Mr. Godber

The hon. Member should remember that the bulk of the awards made to the sons of agricultural workers and others in the rural areas come not so much from my Ministry, but from local authority awards. Only a very marginal number are made by my Ministry.

Mr. Jeger

But does not the Minister realise that local authorities differ from one area to another in the sort of scholarships they give and the assistance they give to local boys? More assistance coming from the centre would be gratefully received, and used to better advantage.

Mr. Godber

In general, I would have thought that local authorities deal with this matter fairly adequately. Only a very few of these grants are available. They were instituted a long time ago, before local authority ones were available.

32. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial grants are available for students wishing to take a two-year course at an agricultural college.

Mr. Godber

Students taking courses at agricultural colleges are eligible for awards from their local education authorities. In addition, there are a limited number of Ministry scholarships for the sons and daughters of agricultural workers.

Mr. Jeger

It is precisely in the category of the sons and daughters of agricultural workers that I ask him whether he should not extend the assistance that he is giving? The sons and daughters of agricultural workers most need assistance. If there are difficulties with regard to local authorities, would it not be better if central scholarships and central grants were made available by the Ministry itself?

Mr. Godber

I agree with the hon. Member absolutely that that is where we need to encourage the students to come from. I accept that absolutely, but I do not follow him the rest of the way. If he knows of difficulties in particular areas, I should be very glad to look into them.