§ Mr. Maloneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what changes he proposes to make to the students' allowances scheme in Scotland in session 1985–86.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy not to bring about a reduction in the student grant in real terms nor abolish the minimum grant nor increase parental contribution nor extend the parental contribution to tuition fees for Scottish students.
§ Mr. YoungerThe main rates of grant for Scottish-domiciled students will be increased by around 3 per cent. in session 1985–86 and the parental contribution scale will be adjusted upwards in line with earnings. The parental contribution from those in the middle and upper reaches of the scale will also be increased, subject to a maximum contribution of £4,000 per family. The minimum award will be discontinued and the parental contribution from those best able to pay will be extended to tuition fees.
These changes are in line with changes already announced for England and Wales. Residual incomes of less than £8,100 will attract no parental contribution; residual incomes above that figure will be assessed so that the next £2,200 (£8,100 to £10,300) will attract contributions at the rate of £1 in £7, the next £4,700 (£10,300 to £15,000) at the rate of £1 in £5, and any residual income above £15,000 at the rate of £1 in £4. For those families with more than one award holder there will be a maximum parental contribution of £4,000.
The system of repayment of students' travelling expenses for students who are Scottish residents will remain unchanged.
It is my intention that a substantial proportion of the savings from these changes should be redeployed to strengthen and expand the provision of technological courses, and to allow priority to be given to electrical and electronic engineering and related disciplines.