§ 136. Mr. Dumpletonasked the Minister of Education why there is so much delay in making payment of grants awarded under the Further Education and Training Scheme, and whether steps are being taken to remedy the position.
§ Miss WilkinsonI am aware that there is delay which I regret. My Department already have to make some 20,000 payments each term, and unfortunately, the term begins at much the same time in all institutions. As money cannot be paid except on the basis of a certificate of attendance, much of the delay is caused by the time taken by the colleges in preparing and returning these certificates to the Ministry. Payment is made as rapidly as possible, bearing in mind staff and other difficulties.