§ Mr. Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to extend mandatory awards to students on higher national diploma three-year sandwich courses, so that the middle year training element is covered by a mandatory award; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNo.
§ Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the rate of mandatory awards for the academic year 1983–84.
§ Sir Keith JosephI announced on 8 November 1982 —[Vol. 31, c. 42]—that the main rates of grant would be increased by 4 per cent. for the academic year 1983–84 and the parental contribution scale would be adjusted upwards by 8 per cent. in line with earnings over the past year. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have therefore agree that the main rates of grant for 1983–84 should be increased as follows
For students:
- (i) living away from home and attending an establishment in London: from £1,900 to £1,975;
- (ii) living away from home and attending an establishment outside London: from £1,595 to £1,660;
- (iii) living in the parental home: from £1,225 to £1,272.
The minimum maintenance payment will remain at the same level as for 1982–83, £410.
There will be no other changes with significant financial implications in the awards regulations for 1983–84. Further consideration will be given to the method of reimbursement of students' travel costs, which will remain unchanged for 1983–84.