Education Minister Lost For Words

The Minister of Education, Merv Wellington, avoided two direct questions in the House recently which asked for concrete figures on the administration of supplementary hardship grants.

It happened during question time in the House, when Cabinet Ministers are expected to give oral answers to both Opposition and Government Ministers' questions. At least one week's notice is given to enable the Ministers concerned to prepare answers.

Wellington was asked if he was aware that the Lincoln College Council had condemned the student hardship grant system because the percentage of students being refused grants had risen; and would the Minister "urgently review policy in that area".

By way of an answer, Wellington said he planned to "hold further meetings with NZUSA and technical institutes". He could not confirm that the percentage of refusals had risen because he didn't have the figures with him at the time, but he added, "1 will say that the intention of the scheme is to ensure those with financial difficulties are better able to attend."

In answering a similar question, this time specifically related to Gisborne students' applications for hardship grants over the last two years, the Minister again said the information was not available at present, but should be completed by the end of August. Wellington could not confirm that there was widespread criticism of the administration of the SHG system.