§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) in his evaluation of a student loans system, what analysis he has made of the high wastage rates and interrupted studies which have been the result of the introduction of a student loans system elsewhere;
(2) if, in view of the fact that the total costs to the Government of servicing student loans in the United States of America and Canada range between 40 and 60 cents for every dollar loaned, he will make a statement indicating how the Government would restrict costs in the event of an introduction of a loans system in the United Kingdom;
(3)whether, in his consideration of a student loans system, he has any particular proposals in mind to remove the disincentive effects of a loans system on young people from working-class backgrounds and ethnic minority and immigrant groups in particular proposing to enter upon a course of higher education;
(4) what regard he has paid in his evaluation of a student loans system to any experience in the United States of America and Canada that a loan system tends to establish a cultural and economic barrier which inhibits workingclass, ethnic minority, and immigrant groups from entering higher education.
§ Dr. BoysonMy right hon. and learned Friend and I have not yet reached conclusions in our study of student loans. We are taking into account experience with such schemes overseas, in so far as it is relevant to circumstances here. We are paying particular regard to the possible effects on participation, both generally and on the part of particular sections of the community.