§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total expenditure by his Department in respect of travel expenses for students in higher education for each academic year from 1979 to 1987.
Mr. JacksonThe table shows reimbursements to students for excess travel by local education authorities in England and Wales. Up to and including 1982–83, such information was collected centrally in respect of mandatory and full-value discretionary award-holders; and thereafter in respect of mandatory award-holders alone. Following the introduction of a flat rate travel allowance, a diminishing minority of students were entitled to continue claiming travel expenses in excess of the flat rate. Hence the sharp fall in payments from 1984–85 onwards.
Expenditure by local education authorities in England and Wales on excess travel claims. £ million Mandatory and full-value discretionary awards 1979–80 16.9 1980–81 21.0 1981–82 21.1 1982–83 26.2 Mandatory awards 1983–84 23.8 1984–85 2.7 1985–86 1.2
§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give the percentage of students with travel costs in excess of the flat rate travel grant from the academic year 1984–85 to the present.
Mr. JacksonInformation is held centrally only on excess travel payments to students in receipt of mandatory awards from local authorities in England and Wales. Before 1984–85, such students were reimbursed relevant travel expenses in excess of £50; 46 per cent. of them received reimbursement in 1983–84. From 1984–85, a flat rate travel allowance has been incorporated in the main rates of grant. There are provisions for reimbursement of travel costs in excess of these figures in the case of disabled students, students obliged to study away from their normal place of study and students who began their course before September 1984. In 1984–85 5 per cent., and in 1985–86 2 per cent., of students received excess travel payments. Information for 1986–87 is not yet available.