§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the annual cost of providing mandatory grants for Higher National Diploma students.
§ Mr. PrenticeI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bebington and Ellesmere Port (Mr. Bates) on 15th May.—[Vol. 873, c. 456]
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many HND students would benefit from the introduction of mandatory grants.
§ Mr. PrenticeOn the basis of 1972–73 statistics it is estimated that there are about 3,700 students in England and Wales on HND courses who are supported 279W from sources other than their local education authority. It is not possible to say how many of such students would apply for mandatory awards if these were available to them In addition there are about 14,500 students, excluding overseas students, who are in receipt of discretionary awards some of whom may not be receiving full mandatory rates of grant, who would also benefit to some extent.