HC Deb 02 November 1976 vol 918 cc533-4W
8. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the present level and number of educational maintenance allowances paid to parents of pupils aged between 16 to 19 years.

Mr. Oakes

I do not think that anyone can be wholly satisfied with a system which results in the wide discrepancies of awards shown in my Department's survey in 1974.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the saving to each LEA in 1974–75 as a result of paying discretionary awards at a reduced rate compared with the full grant rate.

Mr. Oakes

It is not possible to make an estimate of the sum involved for each local education authority.