§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average time taken by the Scottish Education Department to answer (a) appeals against refusal of student grants, and (b) reassessments of parental income arising out of the first offers of student grants; whether any acknowledgements are sent; and what are the reasons for delay.
§ Mr. Allan StewartInformation is not available in the form requested. Between the beginning of May and the end of October 1985, over 64,000 applications for students' allowances were received by the Scottish Education Department. In addition the Department received some 32,000 letters about students' allowances including requests for review and notifications of changes of circumstances. Some 85 per cent. of those letters were dealt with within four weeks of receipt. Acknowledgements are generally sent only in response to applications for allowances.
The Department's principal priority during the period of peak activity is to ensure that students receive grants in time for the start of the academic session. The overwhelming majority of students are paid correctly and on time.