HC Deb 07 July 1987 vol 119 cc176-7
2. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about when he expects the review of student grants to be completed.

Mr. Jackson

The Government hope to publish proposals for consideration early in 1988.

Mr. Bennett

I wish the Minister well in his new appointment. Is he an enthusiast for loans or for partial loans? Is a bid being put into next year's public expenditure consideration so that the outcome of the review can be implemented a year next September?

Mr. Jackson

The review is being conducted with an open mind. It will take account of all the arguments that are for and against loans and of the experience in other countries. Whether provision must be made next year will depend upon the review group' findings.

Mr. Hunter

Will my hon. Friend take this opportunity to comment on the charge that the introduction of a students' loans scheme might deter potential students from higher education?

Mr. Jackson

That is an important aspect of the inquiries that are being conducted by the review group.

Rev. Martin Smyth

Will the Minister comment on the impact in the coming year of the growing number of EEC students coming here and our requirement to provide tuition for them? How does that affect outgoing students and the availability of funds to give higher grants to our students?

Mr. Jackson

It is essential that we observe the provisions of the EC law that we have accepted. That is being done, and we will have to take care of the consequences in terms of the allocation of resources for higher education.

Dr. Hampson

Is my hon. Friend aware that although there has been a significant increase in the number of part-time students, they have great problems because no financial aid is available to them? Is the review group considering a loan scheme for part-time students? If not, why not?

Mr. Jackson

My hon. Friend will have noticed the important commitment in the Conservative party's election manifesto to increase higher education places by 50,000 by 1990. One aspect of that is part-time students, and that will be an important part of the work of the review committee.

Mr. Fatchett

While the review is taking place, what steps will the Minister take to restore the level of student grant in real terms to that of 1979?

Mr. Jackson

The hon. Gentleman will know that that matter is reviewed every year in the public expenditure arrangements. I cannot anticipate the conclusions of that review.