§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the amount of grant to students studying in the United States of America in respect of maintenance grant, expressed in dollars; if he will estimate the value of each grant on the basis of the exchange rate between the dollar and sterling in 1980–81; and what the grant would buy today in rates of exchange considering the rate of inflation in the United States of America.
§ Dr. BoysonThe maintenance grant paid to United Kingdom students studying in the United States of America was £2,050, or $4,924 at the September 1980 exchange rate. The maintenance grant for 1981–82 of £1,825 will have, it is estimated, a value of $3,400 at today's exchange rate. Taking into account the movement in the American consumer price index the maintenance grant in 1981–82 will have a value of about 63 per cent. 417W of the 1980–81 grant. This is because the calculation of the maintenance grant for 1981–82 reflected, amongst other factors, the strength of the pound in October 1980.
§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what amount the United States universities have recommended in U.S. dollars that overseas students should have in grant to cover basic living costs; and by how much the United Kingdom maintenance grant falls short of these recommendations.
§ Dr. BoysonMy right hon. and learned Friend is not aware of any recommendations that may have been made by universities in the United States with regard to students' maintenance requirements.