HC Deb 09 April 1970 vol 799 cc735-6
25. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on the future of student grants in relation to the increase in the cost of living.

Mr. Fowler

The National Union of Students has submitted a claim for increased grants, which I am considering. I am not yet ready to make a statement.

Mr. Judd

Would my hon. Friend not agree that many students, most of whom are industrious and responsible citizens, are meeting real financial difficulties because of the rise in the cost of living? Would he also undertake to ensure that any increased financial assistance made available in mandatory grants by local authorities is not at the expense of discretionary grants?

Mr. Fowler

I will certainly bear in mind the latter point. I agree entirely with my hon. Friend's description of the majority of students, and I have considerable sympathy with the students' claims, but I cannot consider this matter without reference to the many other demands on educational resources.