HC Deb 28 July 1959 vol 610 c286
3. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the experimental award of a number of State scholarships to young people about to leave junior and senior secondary schools to undertake voluntary special service in the underdeveloped areas of the Commonwealth.

Mr. Maclay

I am sorry that I cannot accept this suggestion. The present arrangement seems more appropriate, whereby finance is provided from funds obtained by the organisation itself, with some assistance from the areas in which the service is given.

Mr. Thomson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Labour Party is considering a proposal for adventure scholarships to be offered to young people who may not qualify for more academic awards? Is he tempted to give bipartisan support to this imaginative proposal?

Mr. Maclay

I am always astonished by some of the things which hon. Members opposite study.