§ Sir J. Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a statement on the application to Scotland of the Government's decisions on the recommendations of the Anderson Committee on Grants to Students.
§ Mr. MaclayThe radically revised scale of parental contributions, which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education on 1st December, will come into force in Scotland in October, 1961, and will apply to university students, students at colleges of education and students taking advanced courses in further education establishments.
The Government have also been considering the rates of maintenance allowances for these three categories of students, as between Scotland, on the one hand, and England and Wales on the other, with a view to eliminating existing disparities. It is the Government's intention to have new rates in operation not later than October, 1962, but an interim improvement of Scottish allowances will be made in October 1961.
I shall consult the local authority associations about the complex problems involved in putting these arrangements into effect, including the future participation of the education authorities in the administration of the grants system. I shall also consult them about the small number of further education students taking shorter courses with lower entrance qualifications, who will not be covered by these arrangements.
We also propose to accept the Committee's recommendations that no deduction should be made from the grants from public funds in respect of an award-holder's personal income, including income from scholarships and prizes, of up to £100 a year; and that there should be no restriction on students' freedom of choice to attend any university in Great Britain.