HC Deb 02 June 1981 vol 5 cc307-8W
Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what factors his Department took into account in its decision to increase student grants by 7 per cent.

Dr. Boyson

In coming to his decision to increase student grants for 1981–82 by an average 7 per cent. over the rates for 1980–81 my right hon. and learned Friend took into account the expected rise in living costs for students but he also allowed for an abatement of about 3 per cent. as a contribution to the Government's policy of restraining public expenditure.