HC Deb 20 December 1989 vol 164 cc388-93 5.23 pm
Mr. Jack Straw (Blackburn)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I wish to raise a matter concerning the Education (Student Loans) Bill. Earlier this afternoon, it was announced that all the clearing banks were to withdraw from the operation of the Government's deeply unpopular Education (Student Loans) Bill. As the participation of the banks has been absolutely central to the administration of the Government's loans scheme, the withdrawal leaves the scheme in total ruin. In the light of the announcement, the Bill must be abandoned. In view of the gravity of today's announcement, Mr. Speaker, do you agree that there must be an immediate oral statement by the Secretary of State?

Mr. Speaker

It is not a matter for me.

The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. John MacGregor)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. The hon. Gentleman grossly exaggerates the position. The Bill is not affected one little bit in any respect. Neither the principles, the framework nor the objectives of the scheme are affected, and they will continue as before. The only change is that one area of the mechanics of the scheme we intended to operate cannot now go ahead. That means that we will lose something that was to the benefit of the students—access to branch networks. I regret that.

I thought it right to inform the House immediately I was informed of the decision of the banks. I would have been happy to make an oral statement, but that was not possible because of the congested nature of today's business. However, I am happy to consider, through the usual channels, what else might be done.

Mr. Straw

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. The question whether the abandonment of the Government by the banks is central to the administration of the scheme, as we believe could be argued if there was an oral statement. If there cannot be one this afternoon, for reasons that I understand, will the right hon. Gentleman or the Leader of the House, who is in his place, give a clear undertaking to make an oral statement at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning?

Mr. MacGregor

I shall be happy to consider that request through the usual channels.

    cc388-9
  1. BALLOT FOR NOTICES OF MOTIONS FOR FRIDAY 19 JANUARY 201 words
  2. BILLS PRESENTED
    1. c389
    2. PENSIONS (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) 63 words
    3. c389
    4. EMPLOYMENT 149 words
    5. cc389-90
    6. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 335 words
    7. c390
    8. CONSUMER GUARANTEES 90 words
    9. c390
    10. INTEREST ON DEBTS 73 words
    11. c390
    12. COMPUTER MISUSE 84 words
    13. c390
    14. SEXUAL OFFENCES 98 words
    15. cc390-1
    16. RIGHTS OF WAY (AGRICULTURAL LAND) 123 words
    17. c391
    18. PLANNING PERMISSION (DEMOLITION OF HOUSES) 73 words
    19. c391
    20. ENTERTAINMENTS (INCREASED PENALTIES) 96 words
    21. c391
    22. RADIATION EXPOSED CROWN EMPLOYEES (BENEFITS) 127 words
    23. c391
    24. ROAD TRAFFIC (TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS) 59 words
    25. c391
    26. ABOLITION OF WARRANT SALES (SCOTLAND) 60 words
    27. c392
    28. REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE 90 words
    29. c392
    30. ACCESS TO HEALTH RECORDS 136 words
    31. c392
    32. ENTITLEMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 88 words
    33. c392
    34. CAR TELEPHONES (SAFETY) 103 words
    35. c392
    36. LICENSING (LOW ALCOHOL DRINKS) 101 words
    37. c393
    38. MISUSE OF DRUGS 59 words
    39. c393
    40. AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS (AMENDMENT) 110 words
    41. c393
    42. MARRIAGE (REGISTRATION OF BUILDINGS) 60 words
    43. c393
    44. NORTHERN IRELAND ACT 1974 (AMENDMENT) 95 words
    c393
  3. STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS, &c 27 words
  4. c393
  5. WELSH AFFAIRS 32 words