HC Deb 02 March 1967 vol 742 cc674-5
7. Mr. Awdry

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will take steps to standardise the regulations for making grants for further education which at present vary from one county to another.

The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mr. Goronwy Roberts)

My right hon. Friend has given guidance to local authorities in Circular 4/66 about the exercise of their statutory discretion in this matter. He does not at present see any need to add to this.

Mr. Awdry

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that even between neighbouring counties there is a very great difference in the administration of these grants? Dos he appreciate that in some cases this leads to great injustice?

Mr. Roberts

As of now, we do not consider that the cases of disparity of treatment warrant a major change in policy. We have indicated to local authorities that we consider it desirable that there should be consistency of approach in making these discretionary awards. However, at the moment we do not see sufficient evidence to change the policy.