asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that his Department have refused to pay the interest on higher education grants and of the financial burden that is placed on local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
661.
The Higher Education Grants Scheme is administered by the local authorities, that is, the county councils and county borough corporations. My Department have no statutory authority for the payment of interest charges which might be incurred by local authorities in the carrying out of their statutory functions in relation to the payment of grants under the scheme.