§ 39. Dr. Grayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications were received by his department for adult scholarships to universities in 1965; how many were awarded; and whether it is his intention to increase their number.
§ Mr. Goronwy Roberts112 applications for mature state scholarships were received and 24 of the 30 available scholarships were awarded. My right hon. Friend is not proposing to increase the number of these scholarships.
§ Dr. GrayWill my hon. Friend say whether his aim is to ensure that all adult 1887 students, of any age, if they have the necessary qualifications, should be enabled to go to university?
§ Mr. RobertsThere are, of course, other ways, apart from this arrangement, in which mature matriculants, if I may call them that, can enter university. The limiting factor in awarding these scholarships is not finance, or the arrangements as they now stand, but the shortage of suitable candidates.