§ Alistair BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of nursing and midwifery students in the latest year for which figures are available had no access to student loans, university hardship funds and NHS hardship grants as a result of being on diploma courses. [35203]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 11 February 2002]: Approximately 87 per cent. of national health service-funded students currently studying nursing and midwifery are undertaking the diploma level programme. Whilst these students are not eligible for student loans, university hardship funds or NHS hardship grants, they receive a higher level of basic bursary than those studying at degree level. The financial support available to each student is dependent on the individual's circumstances. Overall, while the nature and source of funding differs, the overall package of support available to the two groups is comparable.