HC Deb 07 December 1982 vol 33 c707
16. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce a mandatory disabled students' allowance of £275.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to change the basis of the additional allowance payable to disabled students under the Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations.

Mr. Hooley

Is the Minister aware that that is a mean reply? Surely he accepts that disabled students must have additional money to enable them to follow through a course in higher education to their full benefit? Will he give the matter further thought?

Mr. Waldegrave

The hon. Gentleman must be unaware that we have doubled the sum available under discretionary awards for disabled students from £250 to £500, and that has been generally welcomed.