HC Deb 17 January 1978 vol 942 cc229-30
6. Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects to introduce the Jubilee scholarship scheme for students on special high-level engineering courses.

Mr. Oakes

These scholarships will be awarded to young people attending a variety of engineering courses. I expect the first scholarships to be awarded for the academic year 1978–79. Details of the scheme will be worked out by a small committee which my right hon. Friend is setting up.

Mr. Arnold

Why has there been such a long delay in implementing this scheme? What proportion of these scholarships will be financed by industry, and how much money will be involved?

Mr. Oakes

I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman thinks that a long time has elapsed. The meetings with industry were held only in the late summer and autumn of last year and already the contributions coming in from industry are quite satisfactory. It is hoped that the courses will be in being this autumn. I do not think that something set up and put into operation within 12 months is bad going, particularly as the Opposition did nothing about it in three and a half years.

Dr. Hampson

Surely the Minister is aware that I raised this matter with him last January and he promised to announce these scholarships at Easter last year? Is not the time getting perilously short for these things to have an impact on next year's school leavers? Will the Minister make quite clear that what he is saying is that the scholarships will not be tenable just in respect of the new four-year elite courses which are now being offered?

Mr. Oakes

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman made that point. These scholarships will be tenable not only on those courses; they will be available for a wide range of engineering courses. I do not see any difficulty for the committee, which will be composed largely of industrialists, in attracting funds for the scheme and disseminating opinions on it to enable it to get going by this autumn.