§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what recent representations he has received concerning students' financial circumstances; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will obtain copies of the citizens advice bureaux report and the Edinburgh Students Association report, concerning the financial circumstances of students, for his departmental library.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthMy right hon. and learned Friend has received a number of representations, including copies of the reports "Diminishing Options" and "Income Survey June '91" by the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux and the Edinburgh University Students Association respectively.
We have substantially increased support for students through the mandatory grant and student loan, and we have introduced the access funds for institutions to use at 424W their discretion to help students who may face particular difficulties. My Department has given written evidence to the inquiry currently being undertaken by the Education, Science and Arts Committee and I will give oral evidence on 29 January 1992.