§ 17. Sir J. Vaughan-Morganasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware of the handicaps suffered by widows, separated and divorced wives in relation to student awards; and whether he will make further proposals to encourage recruitment.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsI do not consider that the present rules governing awards constitute a handicap in the cases quoted.
§ Sir J. Vaughan-MorganOn what does the hon. Gentleman base that curious remark? Has not he received representations on this matter from the National Union of Teachers?
§ Mr. RobertsStudents independent of their parents and others—single widows, separated and divorced wives—are treated on the same basis if the comparison is with married women students, and I remind the right hon. Gentleman that this is a consequence of a recommendation of the Committee on Grants to Students, under the chairmanship of Sir Colin Anderson, in 1960. We are continually looking at these cases. It is not an easy matter. If the right hon. Gentleman would like to see me about it I would be glad to discuss it with him.
§ 18. Sir J. Vaughan-Morganasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will extend the alternative method of assessment for student grants, now applicable to widows, to separated and to divorced wives.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsThis concession was introduced last year in the context of the abolition of the National Insurance earnings rule in relation to widows' pensions. My right hon. Friend does not propose to extend it.
§ Sir J. Vaughan-MorganWhy has the Minister of State taken this rather obdurate attitude in view of the representations he has received? Is not he aware that this situation is creating anomalies, with widows and separated wives working side by side and getting different awards? Is not he further aware that some women are being discouraged and inhibited from recruitment as a result?
§ Mr. RobertsIf the alternative arrangement were extended to separated and divorced wives, it would be difficult to resist making a similar concession to other students with an income of their own, including single and married men. The whole category could come in with those the right hon. Gentleman mentions. This would create new disparities in overcoming one.
§ Mr. AllasonIf the hon. Gentleman is not aware of the difficulties will he receive further representations? There is a genuine problem here and he appears to gloss over it.
§ Mr. RobertsI am aware of the feeling and I am continually looking at cases of alleged hardship. I am very willing to meet any hon. Members on either side 633 or to hear representations. We are looking at this matter all the time to see what we can do about these very difficult anomalies.