§ 8. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on his meeting with representatives of the National Union of Students on the subject of the level of student grants.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mrs. Shirley Williams)My right hon. Friend and I met representatives of the National Union of Students and the Scottish Union of Students on 2nd April. We discussed many aspects of the present system of student grants. However, any changes in the system that involve increased expenditure must await the next review of student grants.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeDoes the hon. Lady accept that the cost of living index since 1962 shows an increase of 30 per cent. while the increase in grants is 12 per cent? Does that not seriously justify a review of these major awards before the expiry of the three-year period?
§ Mrs. WilliamsMy right hon. Friend and I have never denied that students have had to carry part of the sacrifice involved in certain reductions in the rate of increase in Government expenditure. We will give due priority to students' grants as soon as the economic situation allows.
§ Mr. Peter M. JacksonWhilst having sympathy for my hon. Friend's position, may I ask whether she agrees that the student body is carrying a disproportionate degree of sacrifice?
§ Mrs. WilliamsI think that this must be watched in the context of the rapid increase in student numbers. Total expenditure on student grants has risen very fast indeed, although individual grants have risen rather more slowly than the cost of living.