§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will consider a system of differential university grants and loans to enable students applying for such subjects as technology and engineering to receive higher grants than those who apply for subjects with less direct economic benefits, or where there is little demand for the skills obtained; and if grants were reduced in the latter case, if he will consider introducing a system of repayable loans.
§ Dr. BoysonWhile he is prepared to consider any proposals for improving the arrangements for student support, my right hon. and learned Friend has no proposals for such a system as described before him at present. The existing system of student support is based on the principle that grants should be available to enable students to take advantage of the opportunities for higher education regardless of the subject of study, without hardship to themselves or their families. There will always be a place for special and limited schemes for encouraging outstanding students in certain subjects such as the national engineering scholarships. 11W Nevertheless, before departing from the general principle by paying whole categories of students more than they need, or less, or by instituting loans in place of grants, my right hon. and learned Friend would wish to be convinced that the likely results would justify the change.