§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the total cost of publicity incurred by his Department in the years 1973, 1974 and 1975; and what is the estimate for 1976, broken down into relevant headings.
§ Mr. MulleyThe relevant actual or estimated costs are as follows:
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerIn 1974–75 there were 40,000 overseas students following courses of higher education in Great Britain, i.e. in universities and on courses of advanced further education; they represented just over 8 per cent. of all students on these courses.
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§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied with the current arrangements for student support in the vacations: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I propose to change the student support arrangements for the 1976–77 academic year, so that the student's personal maintenance award will apply solely to term time attendance and the winter and spring vacations. It will no longer provide for the summer vacation when there are normally opportunities for students to support themselves. A further review will be needed for the arrangements to apply in subsequent years.
I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services that, as the grant will on average provide the equivalent of at least the supplementary benefit entitlement of the single non-householder for the short vacations, it will no longer be necessary or appropriate for the majority of students to claim supplementary benefit in those vacations. Students who are unable to find vacation employment in the summer will continue to be able to claim supplementary benefit if they do not have enough income to support themselves.