§ 25. Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received in respect of the proposals in the White Paper for social security concerning student eligibility to housing and supplementary benefit.
§ Mr. NewtonSince publication of the White Paper we have received approximately 60 written representations and inquiries regarding these proposals.
§ 60. Sir William van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans for further withdrawal of social security benefit for students in the long vacation.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have no present plans for changes in social security benefits for students beyond those set out in the consultation paper sent to the Social Security Advisory Committee and the Local Authority Associations on 7 January, which would restrict students' access to housing benefit for unoccupied accommodation in the long vacation but would not otherwise affect long vacation entitlement. The Government's long-term objective however remains as stated in paragraph 3.34 of Cmnd. 9691.
§ Mr. Robert Rhodes Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to receive the report of the Social Security Advisory Committee on social security benefits payable to students.
§ Mr. NewtonI understand that the committee plans to submit its report by the middle of March.