§ 13. Mr. Allan StewartTo 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. JacksonThe Government will publish their proposals for the future of student support in a White Paper before the end of the year.
§ Mr. StewartI 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. JacksonWe 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. StrawIt 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. JacksonIt 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.