HC Deb 22 January 1948 vol 446 cc69-70W
108. Mr. Morley

asked the Minister of Education what grants he proposes to make in place of the F.E.T. Grants to assist young people with the necessary ability but not the financial resources to obtain a university education.

Mr. Tomlinson

Direct grants for University students are available from my Department in the form of State Scholarships, Supplemental Awards to holders of Open Scholarships and Open Exhibitions, and grants under the Training of Teachers Regulations. In addition, local education authorities have wide powers to give scholarships, and their expenditure on this service is recognised by me for grant purposes. I am considering in consultation with local authorities and teachers as well as the University authorities what changes and extensions are desirable.

Lady Grant

asked the Minister of Education whether he intends to raise the grants for University students.

Mr. Tomlinson

My Department's grants to University students are based on figures arrived at after consultation with the Scholarship Committees of the various Universities. They are normally reviewed every three years. They were increased to the present figures in 1946 and would normally be reconsidered in the spring of 1949.