§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the total number of payments made for clothing grants under the assisted places scheme in Scotland in the latest year.
§ Mr. John MacKayEight hundred and ninety nine in school year 1984–85. The provisional figure for 1985–86 school year is 1,097.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland by whom decisions are taken regarding the eligibility for and distribution of clothing grants under the assisted places scheme in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKaySchools determine eligibility in accordance with the provisions of the Education (Assisted Places) (Scotland) Regulations 1986 and guidance provided by the Scottish Education Department.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what criteria he uses to assess eligibility for clothing grants under the assisted places scheme in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayClothing grants are income related and may be made on request where the relevant income does not exceed certain statutory amounts. Currently, in the first assisted year the amount is £7,563 and for any subsequent school year £7,248. The amount of the grant is limited to actual expenditure and shall not exceed—
- (a) in the first assisted year
- (i) One hundred and fifteen pounds, where the relevant income does not exceed £6,638.
- (ii) Eighty seven pounds, where that income exceeds £6,638 but does not exceed £6,949.
- (iii) Fifty eight pounds, where that income exceeds £6,949 but does not exceed £7,248.
- (iv) Twenty nine pounds, where that income exceeds £7,248 but does not exceed £7,563; and
- (b) in any subsequent year
- (i) Forty three pounds, where the relevant income does not exceed £6,806.
- (ii) Twenty one pounds, where that income exceeds £6,806 but does not exceed £7,248.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland for what individual items clothing grants under the assisted places scheme may be obtained in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayClothing grants may be paid for expenditure on items of uniform and other clothing, including sports clothing, required to be worn at school by an assisted pupil.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much has been paid out in clothing grants under the assisted places scheme in Scotland in each year since the scheme's inception;
(2) how much has been paid as travel grants under the assisted places scheme in Scotland in each year since its inception.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe information is as follows:
796W
School year Travel grants Clothing grants £ £ 1981–82 20,217 19,028 1982–83 54,246 30,457
School year Travel grants Clothing grams £ £ 1983–84 70,969 36,104 1984–85 96,597 48,665 11985–86 131,445 61,445 1 Provisional figures.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will specify entitlements which pupils may receive under the assisted places scheme in Scotland, other than clothing grants and travel grants.
§ Mr. John MacKayIn addition to fee remission, clothing grants and travel grants, an assisted pupil may be eligible for remission of charges for school meals and field study courses.