§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will now detail the total costs incurred during the three court cases in 1976 between her Department and Tameside Metropolitan Borough: (a) by the Crown and (b) by Tameside Metropolitan Borough.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonDetails of costs submitted by solicitors for Tameside are being examined by the Treasury Solicitor's Department. Should they prove unacceptable, a formal Bill of Costs must be lodged with the High Court by Tameside for "taxation"—that is, scrutiny and decision. I am informed that determination of the matter may then take some months. The Crown's costs will be assessed subsequently.
§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements will be made from April 1977 with respect to student grants in consequence of the partial loss of income tax reliefs for parents with children over 19 years of age in full-time education.
§ Mr. OakesParents of students who are liable for a parental contribution will have their contribution reduced for the academic year 1977–78 to take account of the reduction in child tax allowances in the financial year 1977–78.