HC Deb 21 June 1991 vol 193 cc332-3W
Mr. Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research he has commissioned into the financial position of students following changes in support, including the student loan scheme and the withdrawal of income support and housing benefit.

Mr. Alan Howarth

The take-up of student loans is monitored by the Student Loans Company and the Department. We intend to conduct periodically student income and expenditure surveys comparable with the baseline survey published in 1989, and to review the access funds scheme after three years.

Mr. Anthony Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will announce the postgraduate bursary and studentship rates payable by his Department for the academic year 1991–92.

Mr. Alan Howarth

The main maintenance rates under the Department's own postgraduate awards scheme in the academic year 1991–92 will be as follows (1990–91 rates are shown in brackets):

£ £
Bursaries
London 2,950 (2,775)
Elsewhere 2,330 (2,195)
Parental home 1,760 (1,655)

£ £
Studentships
London 4,970 (4,690)
Elsewhere 3,950 (3,725)
Parental home 2,915 (2,750)

These represent increases of about 6 per cent. on the current year's rates. The relevant supplementary allowances will be increased broadly in line.