HL Deb 01 February 1982 vol 426 c1192WA
Lord Blease

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) what was the total number of students from Northern Ireland given awards to undertake courses of study in universities in, (i) Great Britain, and (ii) in the Republic of Ireland, in each of the last three academic years; and
  2. (b) what was the total annual public expenditure required to support these students, under the following heads (i) payment of fees, (ii) support grants, and (iii) travel grants.

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (The Earl of Gowrie)

It is not possible to provide the information in the form requested. However the following awards were made to Northern Ireland students for courses at universities.

Academic Year
Universities in 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80
(i) Great Britain 2,551 2,550 2,645
(ii) Republic of Ireland 568 635 685

Note: The figures include about 260 students each year attending postgraduate courses.

The expenditure on these awards is estimated as:—

Academic Year
1977–78 1978–79 1979–80
Fees Maintenance Fees Maintenance Fees Maintenance
£m £m £m £m £m £m
(i) Great Britain 1.4 2.0 1.5 2.3 1.7 2.9
(ii) Republic of Ireland 0.3 0.4 03. 0.5 0.4 0.7