§ 17. Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to introduce proposals for a university grant loan scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephI am still considering the subject and no decisions have yet been taken.
§ Mr. AitkenIs my right hon. Friend aware that ever since the late Mr. Anthony Crosland first floated the idea of a loan settlement in student grants there has been widespread support for at least an experimental scheme along those lines? Will my right hon. Friend consider following the example set by many other European countries and countries such as north America and introduce a mixture of loans and grants in an experimental scheme as soon as possible?
§ Sir Keith JosephThere are strong views about both sides of the case. The Government are considering all the factors. No decision has yet been made.
§ Mr. WhiteheadWe understand that the Secretary of State's hon. Friend is seeking large loans for his station, which, in order to survive, has turned itself into a soap opera in which people devour each other for breakfast. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is an extremely serious matter and that if he were to introduce proposals for student loans he would face the same sort of student opposition as was faced by the present Government in Germany, where there have been the largest student demonstrations of all time against the proposal to introduce student loans?
§ Sir Keith JosephThe fact is that there are supporters and opponents of the idea in all the political parties. I note that the German Government were re-elected by a handsome margin.