asked the Minister of Education what percentage of State awards, supplemental university awards and local education authority awards, respectively, are honorary.

Some 2·6 per cent, of the State scholarships (other than supplemental State scholarships) and 8·7 per cent, of supplemental State scholarships current in the academic year 1953–54 were honorary. A further 4·1 per cent, of the State scholarships (other than supplemental) were at the nominal rate of £30, which is paid regardless of parental circumstances. I have no detailed information about the proportion of local education authority awards which were honorary, but I have no reason to think that it is substantial.

asked the Minister of Education the number of students entering the universities and university colleges for the first time, in October, 1953, who came with a State scholarship, a supplemental university scholarship or a local education authority award, respectively.

There were 1,979 holders of State scholarships (other than supplemental State scholarships), 1,000 holders of supplemental State scholarships, and 9,928 holders of awards from local education authorities.

What is the right hon. Lady doing to encourage local authorities who give comparatively few university awards to increase their number?

We have been in communication with local authorities, not only about the size of the award but about the method of selection.