HC Deb 28 November 1988 vol 142 c78W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of(a) the reduction in the value of the student grant since 1979 in real terms, (b) the current value of travel costs reimbursement, had they been retained at 1979 levels, (c) what would be the level of the minimum maintenance award at 1979 levels and (d) the average increase in parental contributions between 1979 and 1988.

Mr. Jackson

The information is as follows:

  1. (a) The rate of maintenance grant for mandatory award-holders studying outside London and away from the parental home has fallen by about 13 per cent. since the 1979–80 academic year.
  2. (b) The level of reimbursable travel expenses was not specified; amounts varied according to students' circumstances.
  3. (c) The minimum maintenance award payable in 1979–80 would be £614 at September 1988 prices.
  4. (d) The average parental contribution in the 1988–89 academic year is forecast to be 100 per cent. above the average contribution in 1979–80 at September 1988 prices.