§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the terms of reference of the committee reviewing student support; and what interim proposals he has in relation to the increasing use by students of the social security system.
§ Mr. PortilloThere are no plans to alter the social security entitlement of students in advance of any changes which may be proposed by the student support review, chaired by the Department of Education and Science, the terms of reference of which are
To review the present arrangements for the financial support of students studying at first degree level or equivalent in Great Britain and to consider the future basis for such support, having regard to:
- (i) the situation and the maintenance needs of students, and the extent to which it is appropriate that those needs should be supported from public funds;
- (ii) other actual and possible sources of support which would allow the removal of students from the social security system—including the case for a system involving loans as well as grants, and the contribution of sponsorship to the needs of students on vocationally orientated courses;
- (iii) the Government's stated policies for higher education and access to it; and
- (iv) arrangements made in other countries with developed systems for the financial support of students."