§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what is his Department's estimate of the number of graduates who(a) earn too little to repay loans and (b) have defaulted on repayment; and if he will make a statement. [14560]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 6 November 1997]At 31 March 1997,(a) 314,378 (49 per cent.) borrowers due to repay were deferring repayment because their income was below 85 per cent. of national average earnings and (b) 34,109 (9.3 per cent.) borrowers due to repay but not in deferment were in default.