HC Deb 10 June 1985 vol 80 cc335-6W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the real value of the student grant in each year since 1979.

Sir Keith Joseph

The information requested is as follows:

Ordinary maintenance grant (£) (outside London) Percentage value in real terms (September 1978=100)
1978–79 1,100 100
1979–80 1,245 97
1980–81 1,430 96
1981–82 1,535 93
1982–83 1,595 90
1983–84 1,660 89
1984–85 1,775 91

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the real value of the student grant in 1966–67 compared to 1984–85.

Sir Keith Joseph

In terms of increases in retail prices, the real value of the student grant in 1966–67 was 11 per cent. above that for 1984–85. The rate of grant in 1984–85 includes the additional travel allowance of £50. If this were excluded, then the real value of the grant in 1966–67 would be 15 per cent. above that for 1984–85.