§ Mr. HumeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many representations he has received to date supporting the introduction of student loans;
(2) how many representations, including postcards, he has received to date opposing the introduction of student loans.
§ Dr. MawhinneySince the publication of the White Paper "Top-Up Loans for Students" (Cm. 520) in November 1988, a total of 472 representations expressing a variety of views have been received from various sources. Of these, 452 were postcards sent in pursuance of a campaign mounted by student unions.
§ Mr. HumeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement indicating the estimated cost of the introduction of student loans in Northern Ireland and outlining the proposed administrative arrangements for such a scheme.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere is Estimates provision of some £5.5million for loans in 1990–91. The Student Loans Company Ltd. will have responsibility for the administration of loans to all eligible students in the United Kingdom and provision will be made for each of the Education Departments to meet its respective proportion of the running costs.