Bursaries

Asked whether any steps were being taken to implement the Labou Party's election plank to increase bursaries, Mr. Skoglund stated that the matter was under consideration and any decision taken would depend upon the finance available. He also stated that he would like to see preference given to bursaries for school teachers. "Salient" suggested that the bursaries could well be extended to cover payment of examination fees and to include a special textbook allowance. The Government was not considering extending its free textbook scheme to the Universities, he said. However, he stated that if the Students' Associations put forward any particular suggestions about bursaries they would be considered on their merits.

When "Salient" suggested that it was felt in some quarters that more research grants were desirable, the Minister had no comment to make other than that on this matter also any suggestions from the Students' Associations would be welcome.