HC Deb 14 June 1994 vol 244 cc508-9
9. Mr. McFall

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the value of the student grant in 1979 at current prices; and what is its value in 1994.

Mr. Boswell

The total public resources available to students through the standard rate of grant and full-year student loan for the current academic year is £3,065, of which grant is £2,265. The value of the comparable rate of grant with no loan available for students domiciled in England and Wales in the academic year 1979-80 was £1,287; its value at 1993–94 prices is £3,089.

Mr. McFall

Does not the Minister recognise that the student grant has been cut by one third since 1979 and, with students being worse off by £29.50 a week compared with people in similar circumstances on income support, they are now the poorest of the poor? Is not that a ridiculous situation, both for the Government and for the future of this country?

Mr. Boswell

The hon. Gentleman asserts that students are the "poorest of the poor". It is remarkable that they are in our universities and colleges in record numbers. While no one has ever suggested that students are highly remunerated, they are well able to live and to study on the resources which are made available to them by public funds, and the figures substantiate that.

Mr. Nigel Evans

How many students were in further and higher education in 1979 compared with 1994 and what has been the extra investment in education for young people in this country?

Mr. Boswell

In 1979, approximately one in eight of our young people went to university. The proportion is now just below one in three. That is a huge expansion of which we are very proud.

Mr. John D. Taylor

Why do the Government prefer to give £10 million to encourage students from the Republic of Ireland to attend universities in the United Kingdom, rather than increase grants for United Kingdom students?

Mr. Boswell

The right hon. Gentleman is aware of our obligations under the European Union and the Court's judgment requires us not to discriminate against students from other European Union countries who are studying in our country.

Mr. Forman

Is not it clear that the package of support that is available to students in this country is perfectly adequate and is not deterring increased participation? Is not the priority now to ensure that the standards of higher education are rigorously maintained?

Mr. Boswell

I strongly endorse what my hon. Friend has said from his experience, both in relation to the student support package and the essential importance of ensuring continuing quality in higher education.