§ Mr. Gledhillasked the President of the Board of Education for what reason it is not possible for boys trying for State bursaries to qualify until they reach the age of 17; and whether, in view of the fact that parents are in some cases discouraged from keeping their children at school until the age of 17, although they may have qualified for a State bursary for science at 16½ years or less, he will consider the modification of the present arrangements?
§ Mr. ButlerThe minimum age at which a candidate can apply for a State bursary is 16 years 10 months. This means that when the bursary courses start, successful candidates are aged not less than 17 years 3 months. In view of the fact that the bursaries are tenable at universities or university colleges, I do not think that any lowering of the age is desirable.