§ 93. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the hardship caused to many students at the universities in receipt of grants, by the fact that these cease at the end of the new first and last summer term; and if he will extend these grants for a further period up to three months where the circumstances justify the additional financial assistance.
§ 94. Mr. Hoggasked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the hardship involved, he will arrange for the continuance of grant during the long vacation in respect of the ex-Service men and women whose grant will otherwise expire at the end of the summer term.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI would refer to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Hollis) on 2nd February. Recent action taken by my Department is in accordance with the procedure which has been followed since the beginning of the Further Education and Training Scheme and students leaving universities this year have no claim on special grants which were not available to their predecessors. I have no authority, and I do not think there is justification, for extending the payment of maintenance grants beyond the date on which students cease attendance at the universities.