§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is now taking in order to provide financial support to students, following the ending of their entitlement to welfare benefits.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 12 July 1991]: We are already providing such support through student loans and access funds. Loans and grants together provided an increase of 25 per cent. in the resources available to students in session 1990-91 and the loan element more than compensated the average student claimant for the loss of benefits. The average student's likely entitlement to 79W benefits was estimated to be about £327, whereas the average full year loan rate for session 1990–91 is £420. Eligible students who have not already done so can still apply for a loan for 1990–91 provided their completed application reaches the Student Loans Company Ltd. by 31 July.
For session 1991–92 the overall provision for student maintenance has been increased by a further 6 per cent. on average, giving a loan facility of £580 for students living away from the parental home.
In addition to student loans, discretionary assistance may be available in cases of need through the access funds which are administered by the individual academic institutions.