§ Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Education whether she is aware that prior to the passing of the Education Act, 1944, the Gloucestershire Education Committee paid maintenance grants to children entering school at the age of 11 years; that since the coming into force of this Act, no new grants have been allowed until the age of 14 years and that hardship is being caused to some parents by this; and what action she proposes to take.
§ Miss WilkinsonThe power of local education authorities to grant new maintenance allowances is limited by the provisions of Section 81 (c) of the Education Act, 1944, to pupils over compulsory school age and there is therefore no action which I can take in the matter. As has been explained to authorities in Circular No. 26, however, it is open to them under Section 81 (a) of the Act to defray the expenses of pupils of compulsory school age in order that they may take advantage of educational facilities without hardship to themselves or their parents. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this circular.