§ Mr. Montgomeryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has yet decided whether to introduce a system of student loans; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe Government have at present no intention of replacing any part of the student grant by a loan. We remain interested in finding means of widening access to higher education without excessive cost to the taxpayer, and in this context will continue to examine the whole system of student support. Student loans may have some part to play in this, but we would introduce any reforms, whether or not involving loans, only after widespread consultation; the first step would be the issuing of a cnsultative paper.