§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities pay the disabled students allowance retrospectively.
Mr. JacksonThe disabled students allowance is available as part of the grant under the mandatory awards regulations for a student who, as a result of his disability, is obliged to incur extra expenditure (other than travel expenses which are provided for separately) in attending his course. It is for the local education authority to assess the amount it considers appropriate up to the ceiling specified in the regulations, and to decide how and when to make grant payments. In practice assessments are often likely to take account of expenditure already incurred, but the Department does not collect detailed information on authorities' procedures.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether his Department has carried out any research into the adequacy of the disabled students allowance for meeting the additional costs incurred by disabled students.
Mr. JacksonI refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave on 13 November to my right hon. Friend for Exeter Mr. Hannam.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether his Department has carried out any research into the possible effects of a loans system on disabled students and prospective students with disabilities.
Mr. JacksonThe top-up loans scheme is designed to provide an additional source of support for all students.