§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will estimate the cost of implementing a flat rate grant payable to all 16 to 18-yearolds remaining in full-time education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnThe cost would depend upon the numbers of students involved and the rate of grant payable as well as on counter-balancing savings in child benefit and discretionary payments already made by local education authorities.
The total number of students aged 16 to 18 in full-time education in schools and further education in January 1985 was 636,321. At a rate of, for example, £20 a week, the net cost would therefore be about £402 million. At a rate of £25 a week, the net cost would be about £569 million.