HC Deb 07 March 1979 vol 963 c726W
Mr. Woodall

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about educational maintenance allowances in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Carter

The Government have decided to introduce, with effect from September 1979, an improved system of mandatory means-tested allowances for 16–18-year-old students attending full-time courses at schools or institutions of further education in Northern Ireland. The maximum allowance will be £7.50 per week. The scheme will be operated by the education and library boards. The administrative arrangements for the operation of the scheme are being examined by a joint Department of Education and Education and Library Board working party.