§ 12. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Minister of Education what steps he proposes to take to secure greater uniformity between the maintenance allowances paid 1464 by different local education authorities and, in particular, to raise the level of the allowances paid by those authorities now making the smallest grants.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Christopher Chataway)I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Boyden) on 31st July last.
§ Mr. IrvingIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are still great variations among local education authorities in this matter, and that in this democratic age most people think it inequitable and indefensible that there should be variations in these allowances and that educational opportunity should depend upon where the student lives?
§ Mr. ChatawayAs my hon. Friend made clear on that occasion, this is a matter essentially for the discretion of local authorities. We have ascertained that no local education authority pays maintenance allowances below the rate recommended in Circular 327.
§ Mrs. WhiteIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are certain classes of students—for instance, students of art—who are particularly badly treated in certain local authority areas? Will he make a special study of this group?
§ Mr. ChatawayI will pay attention to what the hon. Lady has said.
§ Dr. kingIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Weaver Working Party Report and the Ministerial action that followed has resulted in stepping up the maintenance allowances, which represents a move towards greater uniformity? Is he aware that there is still a great need, and will he consider setting up the Weaver Working Party again?
§ Mr. ChatawayI am sure that my right hon. Friend will consider that suggestion. I am, of course, aware that the majority of local education authorities do pay scales which are either similar to or above the rates recommended in the Weaver Report.