HC Deb 09 December 1985 vol 88 cc453-4W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to narrow the financial gap between students receiving maximum grant and those receiving minimum grant; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Walden

Narrowing the financial gap betwen the maximum and minimum grant would involve the reintroduction of the minimum maintenance payment. As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Short) on 28 November 1985, at column627, there is no intention to do this.