§ 10. Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to replace the system of parental contribution in higher education.
Mr. JacksonThe Government are currently reviewing the whole system of financial support for undergraduate students and plans to publish their proposals by the middle of next year.
§ Mr. MarlowI am sure my hon. Friend will agree that it is quite wrong that the grant payable to an adult student somewhat past the age of majority should be dependent on his pedigree rather than on his personal circumstances. Will my hon. Friend join any individual or institution who would wish to take this injustice to the European Court of Human Rights? I know that my hon. Friend is a committed and enthusiastic European, so if not, will he say why not?
Mr. JacksonI thank my hon. Friend for that question. I am afraid that I could not personally associate myself with such an initiative.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettCan the Minister guarantee that students starting next September and the September after that will not have loans imposed on them?
Mr. JacksonI am afraid that I cannot anticipate in any way the results of the review. If we were to introduce any system of loans it would be necessary to introduce legislation. That would have certain effects on timing.