HC Deb 19 July 1988 vol 137 c941
13. Mr. Allan Stewart

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he now intends to publish his report on student finance; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jackson

The Government will publish their proposals for the future of student support in a White Paper before the end of the year.

Mr. Stewart

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that information. Does he agree that both economic principles and international experience point overwhelmingly to the advantages of a combined loan and grant system? Will that be the basis of the Government's response?

Mr. Jackson

We have looked at the possibility of a top-up loan system, as exists in many other parts of the world. That will be covered in the White Paper that we shall publish before the end of the year.

Mr. Straw

It has been two years since the review was established, and repeatedly, in leaks and answers to parliamentary questions, the Minister and the Secretary of State have said that the review would be published this month. Why the delay?

Mr. Jackson

It is a complex subject. When one grasps the nettle, it is advisable to grasp it firmly. It is this Government's intention to grasp that nettle firmly in due course.