asked the Minister of Education what further steps he proposes to take to implement the recommendations made by the Working Party on University Awards; and if he will make a statement.

The main recommendations of the Working Party were concerned with an increase in the number of State and local awards and a revision of the financial basis for calculating awards. The number of local awards has already increased considerably and a new procedure has been worked out through the co-operation of local authorities and universities for future awards on the lines recommended by the Working Party. Some increase has already been made in the number of State and supplemental awards and will be continued as circumstances permit. The new financial basis recommended by the Working Party has been adopted for State awards and also by more than half the local education authorities. In general I am satisfied that the progress already made has been satisfactory and T do not consider that further steps are necessary or opportune at the present moment. I can assure the hon. Member, however, that the matter will be kept under constant review.