HC Deb 23 July 1919 vol 118 cc1387-8W
Major COHEN

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the students attending the commercial course for demobilised officers and men at the Liverpool University have not as yet received any instalment of the maintenance grant which is due to them, although all the necessary documents have been sent to the Minister; whether he is aware that the majority of these students have been demobilised since the beginning of the year, and, owing to their having no other means of support, the withholding of this grant is entailing hardship; and if he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. FISHER

I am aware that there has been some delay in dealing with applications from ex-Service students attending the Liverpool University. This- is inevitable owing to the large number of applications which have, been received. Some of the grants referred to have already been paid, and steps are being taken to expedite the payment of the remainder as much as possible.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has received a resolution from the Liverpool local committee for the higher education of ex-Service students expressing regret at the delay in dealing with the payment of interim grants, and the opinion that arrangements should be effected whereby payments on account are made within the first week or two of training, and urging the Board to take action; and, if so, if lie will state what steps will be taken in regard to the students' claims for maintenance?

Mr. FISHER

The Board of Education have reecived a copy of the resolution referred to. Owing to the large number of applications, some delay is inevitable in announcing the Board's decision as to award, and it is frequently not possible to ensure that maintenance grants be paid in approved cases within the first week or two of training. Steps are being taken to expedite the payment of grants as much as possible. Many of the applications for interim grant referred to were not received by the Board until after the 1st July.