§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the proposed arrangements to means test parents or spouses for the payment of tuition fees; what procedure will be adopted for parents or spouses of EU students; and if he will make a statement. [19185]
§ Dr. HowellsNew entrants to higher education in 1998–99, including EU students, who are eligible for a mandatory award will be eligible for assistance with their fees if they are from a lower income family. A parental or spouse's contribution to the award will be assessed by the student's local education authority in accordance with the provisions in the Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations for 1998–99 which will be laid before Parliament in due course. The means test arrangements will be the same as for 1997–98, subject to any changes which may be needed to ensure that it applies properly to EU citizens, and will ensure that the assessed contribution will be no greater in real terms than this year.