§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied with the amount of grant payable to mature students undertaking teacher-training courses; and if she will make a statement.
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§ Mr. van StraubenzeeFollowing a general review of student grants, supplementary payments to mature students, including dependants' grants, were increased for the years 1971–72 to 1973–74 by the full amounts suggested in a factual enquiry in which student representatives participated. No further increases are proposed.
§ Mr. Parkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why graduates on a PhD course are awarded a grant for a year at a time only; and why a grant for the third year in the course is difficult to obtain.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeIt is the normal practice for award-making bodies to call for periodical reports on a student's progress before continuing his award. A student should not have difficulty in obtaining a grant for a third year of postgraduate study if his academic progress is satisfactory.