§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what new system will be introduced in 1983 to work out the travel allowance element in student grants; and what effect this will have.
§ Mr. WaldegraveDetails of the new system are still being considered. A further announcement will be made in due course.
§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the Official Report figures to show the percentage increase in student grants over the past four years and the proposed increase for 1983; and what were the rates of inflation for the corresponding periods.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe percentage increase in the ordinary maintenance grant for mandatory awardholders living away from home outside London over the past four years and the proposed increase for 1983; and the percentage change in the retail price index for the corresponding periods is as follows:
Academic Year Percentage Change in Ordinary Maintenance Grant Percentage Change in Retail Price Index 1979–80 13.2 16.5 1980–81 14.9 15.8 1981–82 7.3 11.4 1982–83 3.9 7.3 1983–84 4.0 *5.0 * Estimate