§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the value of the student grant for each year since 1979, including 1987's award, at 1979 prices.
§ Mr. WaldenThe value of the main elsewhere rate of grant, expressed at 1979 price levels and adjusted to take account of the change in travel arrangements from 1984–85, is as follows:
528W
£ 1979–80 1,245 1980–81 1,234 1981–82 1,189 1982–83 1,152 1983–84 1,140 1984–85 1,126 1985–86 1,096 1986–87 *1,095 * Estimated
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why the extra weeks allowance for students is lower than the average amount per week of the ordinary grant.
§ Mr. WaldenThe difference arises because the basic student grant makes provision for expenditure on certain items, namely clothing and books, which can reasonably be expected to last for the whole year. Students would receive a double subsidy from public funds if the extra weeks allowance also provided for these items.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the equipment grant for medical students in their clinical years for the forthcoming academic year; and what was the comparable figure in the last five years.
§ Mr. WaldenThe special equipment grant for medical students is intended to cover the course as a whole and is not an annual entitlement. Students whose courses begin on or after 1 September 1986 will not be eligible for a special equipment grant. Students who commenced their courses before 1 September 1986, which should include students beginning their clinical studies in the forthcoming academic year, will be able to continue to claim the special equipment grant up to a maximum of £90.
The comparable figures for the special equipment grant over the last five years are as follows:
Academic year £ 1981–82 70 1982–83 75 1983–84 80 1984–85 85 1985–86 90
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the review of student grants includes arrangements for the reimbursement of travel costs, particularly those incurred during term time.
§ Mr. WaldenThe review will cover all aspects of financial support for students studying at first degree or equivalent level.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any estimate of the proportion of students who do not receive their full parental portion of the grant; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldenNo. My Department does not collect information on the payments made by parents to their student children. We have seen evidence however, to suggest that non-payment is less widespread than in the mid-seventies.