HC Deb 18 July 1978 vol 954 cc123-4W
40. Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the progress of her negotiations with local education authorities on means-tested grants for 16 to 18-year-olds who remain in full-time education.

Mr. Oakes

My right hon. Friend has now met representatives of the Council of Local Education Authorities and the Welsh Joint Education Committee on two occasions to discuss the question of financial support for 16–18 year-olds in full-time education. These discussions have resulted in agreement on the desirability of improved financial support arrangements and reaffirmation of the ability of schools and colleges to provide appropriate courses for young people of all abilities and aspirations. Other matters so far considered include the possible rate of grant and the general shape of a mandatory means-tested awards scheme. Discussions are continuing at official level.

54. Mr. Whitney

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she intends that local education authorities should have a discretionary right to select the courses for which they would provide grants under the system of educational maintenance allowances which she has proposed for 16 to 18-year-olds.

Mr. Oakes

The question whether any improved financial support arrangements for 16–18-year-olds in full-time education should be limited by reference to particular courses has received attention in the discussions which my right hon. Friend has been holding with the local authorities. The provisional view emerging is that this would be neither desirable nor practicable, having regard to the wide range of young people's educational needs and to the ability of schools and colleges to provide appropriate courses for young people of all abilities and aspirations. But no final decisions on this have yet been taken.