HC Deb 09 February 1982 vol 17 cc319-20W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether his Department has made a study of the systems of student financing in the universities in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

In considering last year the possible introduction of a loans scheme, Ministers had before them fairly extensive information on various systems of student support available to university students in the United States of America, including first-hand information gained by my predecessor in the course of a visit. My right hon. Friend will take account of the relevant features of the American system in any reappraisal he may make of the system of student support in this country.

Sir Brandon Rhys Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his latest estimate of the total cost of student awards in England in 1981–82 at 1981 cash prices.

Sir Keith Joseph

£912 million at 1981–82 prices, including awards for tuition fees and £40 million for mandatory awards in Wales—for which my Department is responsible—but excluding postgraduate awards in the United Kingdon provided by the research councils costing just over £50 million.