§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a chart or table showing for each academic year since 1979 the maximum available student grant in cash figures, tabulated alongside the annual inflation rate for each academic year and the percentage increase of the grant for each academic year.
Mr. JacksonThe maximum available grant in any given year depends on the individual student's circumstances. The following table shows the information requested for the basic rate of maintenance grant appropriate to students studying outside London.
Mandatory award holders 1979–80 to 1987–881 England and Wales Full maintenance award (no assessed parental or other contribution) Reduced maintenance award Nil or minimum2 maintenance award Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Total 1979–80 143,902 39 197,049 53 28,402 8 269,353 1980–81 151,877 40 196,882 52 30,648 8 379,407 1981–82 159,195 40 200,730 50 39,391 10 399,316 1982–83 152,394 37 216,053 52 47,520 11 415,967 1983–84 137,470 36 198,420 52 48,731 12 384,621 1984–85 134,768 35 181,580 47 71,013 18 387,361 1985–86 137,751 35 167,914 43 84,614 22 390,279 1986–87 145,307 37 160,771 41 88,188 22 394,266 1987–88 150,978 37 153,273 38 100,064 25 404,315 1 The years 1979–80 to 1982–83 include all full-value awards, some of which are local education authority discretionary awards. 2 Between 1979–80 and 1984–85 all students received a minimum maintenance award. The mimimum award has halved in 1984–85 and abolished from 1985–86. All award holders have their fees paid by the local authority.