§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what are the criteria for eligibility as a part-time student;
(2) what are the eligibility criteria for education authority payments to students, with particular reference to free meals, free travel and maintenance.
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§ Mr. DunnLocal education authorities are empowered to pay maintenance allowances in respect of full-time pupils or students over compulsory school age in schools or non-advanced further education. The powers are discretionary and it is for individual authorities to determine the qualifying circumstances and the rate of allowance. The Education Acts make separate specific provision for free school meals and for transport arrangements for pupils in schools irrespective of whether they are in receipt of education maintenance allowances. Allowances are not payable for part-time students.