§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he intends to increase grants of students in higher education in line with inflation;
(2) whether he intends to cut the normal duration of grants of students in higher education from three years to two years; and, if so, by what means;
(3) whether he has any plans to abolish the £410 minimum grant of students in higher education;
(4) if he intends to alter the size of parental contributions to grants of students in higher education.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend has not yet reached decisions on student grants for the academic year 1882–83. In considering the range of possibilities he will 149W take into account, amongst other relevant factors, the Government's overall commitment to restrain public expenditure.
§ Mr. McNallyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what plans he has for changing the size of parental contribution to student grant;
(2) what plans he has for lowering or abolishing the minimum grant now standing at £410;
(3) What consideration he has given to shortening the basic student award from three to two years.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to a question from the hon. Member for Liverpool, Edge Hill (Mr. Alton) today.