HC Deb 04 March 1971 vol 812 cc1880-1
12. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many university students in receipt of grant are not finishing their courses to degree standards; and how many other than medical students in receipt of grant are over the age of 24 years.

Mr. van Straubenzee

In the calendar year 1969, approximately 6,500 students studying for first degrees in the United Kingdom had not successfully completed their studies at university when their awards were terminated. The results of about another 1,000 award-holders were not known. Information on the second part of the Question is not available.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Will my hon. Friend agree that, although this is a small proportion, it is still much too high a figure and one which needs close investigation?

On the second part of my Question, which my hon. Friend has not been able to answer, will he agree that it is wrong for this new trend towards a category of permanent student to be encouraged by grants? Will he institute with his right hon. Friend a close inquiry into the way in which student grants are being abused by people who appear to regard being at a university as some sort of career?

Mr. van Straubenzee

If my hon. Friend has specific examples, I shall be glad to have them. However, it is not my experience that it is as easy as my hon. Friend suggests to remain what he calls a permanent student on a grant. We must keep this in perspective.

On the first part of his Question, it is 13.5 per cent. of the total. It is one of the lowest in the world and is the envy of many other countries. Again, I do not want to breathe complacency into my answer, but it is only fair to the large number of people working very hard in our universities to put the matter in perspective.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that the drop-out rate in many of our polytechnics is as high as 30 per cent., according to some figures published this week? In view of the fact that they appeared in reputable newspapers, they should be denied if they are not accurate. Clearly there is a higher drop-out rate in our polytechnics. Will the hon. Gentleman look at this aspect of the problem and try to discover the reason?

Mr. van Straubenzee

We are dealing with figures, and I must be precise, The Question referred to universities. Without adopting the figure, which I also saw, I know that the hon. Gentleman will realise that a higher fall-out rate in an institution dealing with both degree and sub-degree work is to be expected—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] This would be a natural expectation. But I will look at at the figures, because we want no wastage of investment in people who, quite rightly, cost a great deal of money.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

On a point of order. In view of the seriousness of the situation, I beg to give notice that I shall seek an early opportunity to raise the matter on the Adjournment.