HC Deb 29 November 1995 vol 267 cc753-4W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many students in Wales applied for student loans in each year since 1991; and if he will make a statement. [2338]

Mr. Hague

These are matters for the Student Loans Company. I have asked the acting chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many students in Wales applied for hardship funds in each year since 1991; and if he will make a statement. [2339]

Mr. Hague

Since the academic year 1990–91 institutions in Wales have received student access funds so that they may provide financial help to students in financial difficulties. Institutions may supplement these funds from their own resources.

The number of students in the former public sector further and higher education institutions in Wales applying for assistance from the access funds in the academic years 1990–91 to 1993–94 is as follows:

  • 1990–91: 3,102
  • 1991–92: 3,827
  • 1992–93: 3,597
  • 1993–94: 3,317.

Information on applications to the colleges of the university of Wales is not available prior to 1993–94. In that year, 3,260 students applied for assistance from the access funds. Information for academic year 1994–95 is not yet available.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average grant received by undergraduate students in Wales in each year since 1991; and if he will make a statement. [2340]

Mr. Hague

The average net maintenance grants, after means-testing, received by mandatory award holders in Wales in the academic years 1990–91 to 1993–94 are set out in the following table. Since 1990–91, eligible students have also had access to non-means-tested student loans.

Average net maintenance grants to holders of mandatory awards (£) Wales: 1990–91 to 1993–94
Academic year Average net maintenance grant paid by local education authorities1
1990–91 1,590
1991–92 1,620
1992–93 1,690
1993–94 1,740
1 To the nearest £10.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research has been undertaken in the last five years by his Department into the level of students suffering from stress and depression; and if he will make a statement. [2341]

Mr. Hague

None.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps his Department has taken to improve the welfare and counselling services to students in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [2342]

Mr. Hague

As autonomous bodies, it is for individual further and higher education institutions to ensure that such services are sufficient to enable students to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them.