HC Deb 14 February 1984 vol 54 c144W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice he has received on student expenditure that has caused him to propose higher funding in respect of travel allowances for home students than away students.

Mr. Brooke

It is the Department's impression that over the course of the year the daily travel cost of many home students may amount significantly to more than the travel costs of most away students. But we shall be guided by what the bodies consulted about our proposals have to say in coming to a final decision on whether home students should have a higher flat-rate provision for travel costs than away students.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish the criteria that will be used for adjudging disabled students in respect of future reimbursement for travel costs.

Mr. Brooke

It will be for local education authorities to determine on the facts and circumstances of individual cases whether any additional travel costs incurred by disabled students in respect of attendance at their courses are due to the student's disability, and so eligible for reimbursement.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what increase in costs would accrue (a) in administration and (b) in funding, from fully reimbursing students on their three main return journeys from home to university, whilst introducing a flat rate for daily travel.

Mr. Brooke

The detailed information necessary to make estimates of this kind is not available. But this proposal, which would more than double the number of travel claims LEAs have to deal with, would not achieve the Government's objectives of worth while administrative simplification and bringing total public expenditure on student travel under control.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations he has had regarding the proposed increase of £2.80 in extra weeks' allowance for students; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brooke

The proposal has been welcomed by the president of the National Union of Students. To date no other representations have been received.