HC Deb 07 February 1984 vol 53 cc539-40W
Mr. Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to alter in any way grants currently available to students in Scotland.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Main rates of students' allowances will be increased by 4 per cent. from the beginning of the 1984–85 academic session. The parental contribution scale will be adjusted upwards in line with earnings in the past year but contributions from parents in the middle and upper reaches of the scale will be increased. The minimum maintenance allowance, payable to those whose parents would otherwise be liable to meet the full cost of maintenance, will be halved. Details will be announced later.

My right hon. Friend has not yet decided what further changes, if any, should be made to the students' allowances scheme.