HC Deb 02 April 1974 vol 871 cc1071-3
5. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in his view on student grant levels, he will include a consideration of the future of discretionary grants.

Mr. Gerry Fowler

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Hunt

In the meantime, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that nothing causes more resentment among students than the feeling that the level of these grants is decided not on merit but upon the geographical accident of where their parents happen to live? Therefore, in the context of the current review, will the hon. Gentleman under- take to take some new initiative to deal with this long-standing problem?

Mr. Fowler

My right hon. Friend and I will consider that point sympathetically. In 1971 my Department did advise local authorities to reduce the variations in the level of the awards which they make.

Mr. Mark Hughes

In this review, will my hon. Friend also look into the anomaly of the married woman student grant, which causes equal distress?

Mr. Fowler

Yes, Sir.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Is the Minister satisfied with the response of local authorities to the circular issued by his right hon. Friend's predecessor calling for a standard level of grant in discretionary cases? If not, will he consider making the level mandatory? How much would that cost?

Mr. Fowler

I cannot anticipate the result of the review which we are conducting. I think that the degree of variation between grants is still excessive, and I hope that local authorities will be able to come nearer towards a standard level.

12. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received, following his recent announcement on his review of student grants, requesting him to expedite his decision on the improvement of student grants.

Mr. Gerry Fowler

My right hon. Friend has received a letter from one hon. Member.

Mr. Hamilton

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that when a decision is reached there will be a subsequent annual review of student grants tied to an index—either the cost of living index or the average earnings index? In view of the not too popular image of students at the moment and their lack of bargaining power, will he give an assurance that there will be an annual review?

Mr. Fowler

My right hon. Friend has already told the House that there will be an annual review procedure. As for the other details of the hon. Gentleman's question, I must leave that until the results of the review are announced.

Mr. Churchill

In view of the difficulties faced by many students—particularly those in city areas such as Manchester and London—and the increases in their living expenses, how soon do the present Government expect to introduce an increase in student grants?

Mr. Fowler

We hope to be able to make an announcement in the course of the next six or seven weeks. I must, however, remind the House that the delay imported into the procedure by a decision taken early in February by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, whom I am glad now to see in his place, is not my responsibility, nor that of the present Government.