HC Deb 07 February 1984 vol 53 cc755-7
12. Mr. Canvavan

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received about travel expenses for students.

Mr. Brooke

We have received some 45 representations of various kinds, including from the National Union of Students, two local student unions, one vice-chancellor and one local education authority.

Mr. Canavan

Is the Under-Secretary aware of the hardship that many students would suffer if the present system of paying students' travel expenses based on distance travelled was replaced by a flat-rate allowance, especially in Scotland — though possibly in parts of England and Wales, too — where many students commute long distances from their homes? Is he aware that some students would lose over £500? If Members of Parliament can get travel expenses based on mileage, why should not students?

Mr. Brooke

As is made clear in the consultation document on these changes, the purpose of them, among others, is to make administrative savings. Any change that achieves a worthwhile simplification of the present arrangements will inevitably involve an element of rough justice. Awards for Scottish students are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. Nelson

Is my hon. Friend aware that parental free choice in education is effectively being denied in many instances because travel expenses are not available for students travelling to schools outside their own areas? Will he encourage local authorities to adopt a more flexible and reciprocal attitude, because in many instances such schools are closer than the schools in students' own catchment areas?

Mr. Brooke

The main question was about students rather than about schoolchildren.

Mr. Donald Stewart

Is the Minister aware that the introduction of such a scheme would be a catastrophe for my constituency, which sends more students to universities per head of population than any other part of the United Kingdom? Is he further aware that if the scheme were introduced it would mean the difference between having and not having a university education for hundreds of students annually? Will he urge his right hon. Friend not to introduce any such scheme?

Mr. Brooke

I explained that awards in Scotland are a matter for the Secretary of State for Scotland. My hon. Friend the Member for Stirling (Mr. Forsyth) asked a question on this subject last week, in answer to which the Minister said that he had not yet decided whether to propose any change in the system under which travel costs incurred by students in receipt of awards from the Scottish Office were reimbursed.

Mr. Henderson

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that among the many unique features of St. Andrew's university is the fact that half the students come from England? Will he ensure that educational nationalism, which is an unfortunate feature of other sectors of higher education, does not creep into university education in the awarding of grants of this kind? Will he also bear in mind that point of cross-border students?

Mr. Brooke

My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to that, but I can tell him, encouragingly, that the coach fare between London and St. Andrew's is only £9.

Mr. Lambie

In spite of what the hon. Gentleman said, may I ask him to confirm that the Secretary of State for Scotland will have power to continue the present system by which Scottish student travel awards are paid, no matter what changes may be made for English students by his right hon. Friend?

Mr. Brooke

I can only repeat that the Secretary of State for Scotland has not yet made a decision.

Mr. Freud

Can the Minister tell the House what criteria will be used to assess handicap that would entitle handicapped students to reimbursement for fares?

Mr. Brooke

Disabled students who, because of disability, incur travel costs in excess of the amount allowed in the grant in respect of attendance at their course will still be able to claim reimbursement of excess expenditure in full.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

Will the Minister confirm that the figures for student travel in the consultation document for England and Wales issued last week would mean that most students would not have their problems dealt with by the local administration? Would it not be possible for the small number suffering hardship to continue to claim under the present system?

Mr. Brooke

When a change is made which has the purpose of broad simplification it is inevitable that there will be cases of rough justice. I acknowledged that earlier. Any complication of the system would mean a loss of the original advantages.