§ Mr. Brandon-Bravoasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a further statement about the rates of allowance that will be payable to students in 1987–88.
§ Mr. WaldenMy right hon. Friend announced the main rates of grant for 1987–88 on 30 January this year. Subject to Parliament's approval of the necessary regulations, the supplementary grant rates will be increased broadly in line with the main rates, and there will be certain other improvements in the grant arrangements.
Particular improvements include:
disabled students will be able to claim up to £700 for extra expenses: a rise of 24 per cent.;for students claiming the older students' allowance, taxable benefits from periods of unemployment will count towards the £12,000 of earnings needed to qualify and the qualifying figure of £ 12,000 set last year will not be increased;students will he able to receive up to £2,000 a year from sponsorships or scholarships without any reduction in their grant.The full list of rates and allowances has been placed in the Library.