HC Deb 17 December 1956 vol 562 cc119-20W
119. Mr. Mulley

asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the increasing cost of books and instruments, he will increase the allowances made by his Department to university and technical students for this purpose and also increase by a like amount the figure he has recommended to local education authorities as a guide for their grants under this heading.

Mr. Vosper

The amount for the purchase of books, which is included in the standard figure of maintenance and was reviewed in 1955, seems reasonable in the light of recent information available to my right hon. Friend. Over and above the normal maintenance grant, grants towards the cost of instruments may be made on application by a student. These matters will be considered again at the next review in 1958.

120. Mr. Mulley

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that hardship was caused to a number of students by the late payment this term of State awards; and if he will take steps to arrange for these to be paid in the first week of each term and also draw the attention of the local education authorities to the importance of paying their grants at the beginning of the term.

Mr. Vosper

My Department normally sends the money in respect of State scholarships to the universities before the beginning of terms in all cases where we have received sufficient information to make the assessments. My right hon. Friend regrets that a number were not sent until after the beginning of this term, but he will ensure that this does not occur again. Local education authorities appreciate the importance of paying their grants as promptly as they can: my right hon. Friend is looking into some complaints about a few authorities who are alleged to have been late this term.

121. Mr. Mulley

asked the Minister of Education how many local education authorities are continuing to make loans to students instead of awarding scholarships to them; how many charge interest, and at what rate per cent.; if he is aware that the West Riding of Yorkshire made over 50 such loans in each of the last two academic years at three per cent. interest; and what steps he proposes to take to bring such local education authorities into line with the general practice.

Mr. Vosper

Some local education authorities including the West Riding, make loans for special purposes, such as the purchase of instruments or to assist students who do not qualify for awards but who nevertheless embark on a course of study. My right hon. Friend thinks it reasonable to leave authorities free to make loans for these limited purposes, provided that they supplement, and do not replace, their other university awards.