HC Deb 19 January 1987 vol 108 cc378-9W
Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to publish proposals arising from the current review of student support; what period of time is likely to be made available for discussion and consultation on such proposals; what is the earliest academic year in which any such proposals are likely to be implemented; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

The work of the student support review is expected to be completed this year. The timetable for consultation and implementation will depend on the outcome of the review and the nature of any changes to the student support system that the Government may decide to propose.

Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a list showing, for each year since 1979 (a) the total amount paid by his Department in respect of mandatory student awards made by local education authorities, (b) the change in percentage terms of the total amount paid in relation to the preceding year, (c) the number of mandatory awards made and (d) the change in percentage terms of the average amount of departmental expenditure on each mandatory award in relation to the preceding year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

The information is as follows:

Mandatory awards
England and Wales
1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85
(a) DES contribution towards expenditure on mandatory awards (£000) 298.988 358,424 399,012 424,787 451,869 432,203
(b) Percentage change compared with each preceding year — +19.9 +11.3 +6.5 +6.4 -4.4
(c) Nos. of mandatory award-holders 322,595 334,575 354,483 370,530 384,621 387,361
(d) Average DES contribution (£) percentage change compared with each preceding year — +15.5 +5.1 +1.8 +2.5 -5.0

Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to publish a response to the first report of the Education, Science and Arts Committee on student awards; what steps he has taken to protect the possibility of a substantial increase being made in levels of student awards for 1987–88 within public expenditure limits; when he expects to announce the levels of student awards for 1987–88; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

I hope to announce the levels of student awards shortly, and I cannot anticipate that announcement. I would expect the Government's response to the first report from the Education, Science and Arts Committee to be published before the summer recess.