HC Deb 25 October 1945 vol 414 cc2329-30W
Mrs. Middleton

asked the Minister of Education why university students who have accepted Ministry of Education grants and are thereby debarred from taking open scholarships and exhibitions, are refused deferment of military service, on the grounds that they are not holders of open scholarships or exhibitions.

Miss Wilkinson

So far as I am aware, acceptance of assistance from my Department does not debar a student from taking an open scholarship or exhibition.

Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education whether she is aware of the decision taken by the Cardiff Education Committee to defer the granting of financial assistance to scholarship holders; and whether she will consult this authority in order that Cardiff students shall not be at a disadvantage by comparison with students from other areas.

Miss Wilkinson

Local education authorities are revising their arrangements for scholarships and other benefits in accordance with new Regulations which have been made under Section 81 of the Education Act, 1944. Some authorities have been able to secure approval to revised arrangements in time to bring them into operation this year. Others will not be in a position to do so until next year, but in the meantime they can continue to make awards under existing approved arrangements. Cardiff propose to defer the change to the new system until 1946, but they have been asked by my Department to consider whether more generous assistance could not be given immediately to deserving candidates now entering university colleges.