§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements have been made for paying the community charge of students from Northern Ireland who are studying in Great Britain; and whether he has any plans to change the parental contribution or student grants to take into account the payment of rates on a student's home in Northern Ireland and liability for the community charge in England, Wales or Scotland.
§ Dr. MawhinneyArrangements made by local authorities to collect the community charge are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. Northern Ireland students studying in Great Britain will, if they are full-time, as defined by the relevant legislation, be liable for only 20 per cent. of the community charge in their area, and the net impact of this discounted liability is among the factors considered when mandatory student grant rates are decided.