§ 21. Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what proposals he has to replace all or part 625 of grants for postgraduate studies by a system of loans.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerI have no proposals to make.
§ Mr. BiffenWill not the right hon. Gentleman think again about this subject, in view of the fact that there will obviously be an enormous growth in the number of postgraduate students? Does he agree that, with an immense increase in public funds, as long as his mind remains as closed on this subject as was that of his predecessor it augurs ill for any likelihood of reducing public expenditure or taxation?
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerWhatever may be thought or said about loans in preference to grants, there is little case for making loans to postgraduates. There is no evidence that the earning powers of postgraduates go up as a result of their postgraduate work.
§ Mr. HenigDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that continued expansion of postgraduate research is essential for the nation in all kinds of fields, and will he make certain that those who are doing it are not penalised by not being paid, as the hon. Member opposite suggests?
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerYes.