§ 57. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the hardships which the 50 per cent. cut in grants will inflict on Scottish university students, he will relieve them by conducting a review in these spheres for the next two years of the triennium and institute a means test to protect students from the lower income groups and also exempt from the 50 per cent. cut mature, elderly and married students.
§ Mr. Ross:The reduction referred to in the Question is in the amount of an expected increase in grants and does not apply to the existing level.
I see no need for a separate review of maintenance grants for Scottish students. A comprehensive review has just been completed on a Great Britain basis. I am ready to consider any proposals for adjustments in the grant structure within the overall financial limit laid down by the Government.