§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the effect on public expenditure and on student numbers of the abolition of the minimum grant in student maintenance awards.
§ Mr. WaldegraveAssuming the present parental contribution scale remains unchanged, the saving to public expenditure of abolishing the minimum maintenance payment is estimated at about £7 million. The effect on student numbers of its abolition would be minimal since only 8 per cent. of higher education students receive a minimum grant.