§ 39 and 59. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Education (1) how many students who had obtained three passes at advanced level in the academic year 1958–59, and had obtained a place at a university, have been refused a university award on academic grounds;
(2) if he will give the names of the education authorities who in 1958–59 refused to grant university awards to students who had obtained three or more passes at advanced level.
§ Sir D. EcclesThis information could be made available only by making special inquiries of local education authorities and I have not felt justified in doing this, in view of the Government acceptance of the recommendation of the Anderson Committee that awards should be given to all students admitted to degree courses at universities who have two G.C.E. passes at "A" level or the equivalent.
§ Mr. WainwrightIs the Minister afraid that he may get a regrettably large number? Is he aware that students are not able to take their places at universities because of lack of financial means? Is he also aware that some students have to go into debt to the extent of £600 to find the means necessary to take their places in the universities? Will he not give more consideration to this urgent matter to ensure that those authorities who are not making these grants will be more generous to the students concerned?
§ Sir D. EcclesAll those are questions which are now being considered in connection with the Anderson Report. It is our wish, of course, that uniformity should prevail.