§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science upon what criteria he based his decision to increase from 21 to 25 years the age from which married women become exempt from the need for parental contributions towards further education grants; and whether he will reconsider it.
§ Mr. MulleyThe change was one of a number designed to ensure that there was no discrimination between men and women in the grant arrangements. I expect grant arrangements for married76W women students under 25 to be among the matters considered in the grant review for the academic year 1976–77.
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many married women aged 21 years or over, previously exempt from the need for parental contribution towards further education grants, have now become eligible for such contributions because they have not yet attained the age of 25 years or have been self-supporting for three years; and what effect this change will have on annual departmental expenditure.
§ Mr. MulleyNone: the change applies only to new students. It will make a saving to public funds of some £700,000 per annum by 1977–78, at present rates.