§ Sir Ian GilmourTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a table showing mandatory grant levels for students pursuing first degree courses, at current and at constant 1991 prices in each year since 1979; and if he will also show net maximum parental contributions as percentages of average earnings in the same years.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe table shows the value of the mandatory grant1, in cash terms and at 1991 prices, and the maximum assessed parental contribution as percentage of average earnings for 1979–80 to 1991–92. The contribution assessed for parents on average earnings in any year would be considerably less than the maximum contribution figure shown in the table. Further, the assessed contribution for any parent cannot exceed the maintenance grant to which the student is entitled.
n/a=Not applicable. Between 1979–80 and 1984–85 there was no statutory maximum parental contribution.
Stautory maximum contribution Academic year Grant in cash terms 1991 value of grant In cash terms As per cent. of average earnings £ £ 1979–80 1,245 2,832 n/a n/a 1980–81 1,430 2,807 n/a n/a 1981–82 1,535 2,705 n/a n/a 1982–83 1,595 2,620 n/a n/a 1983–84 1,660 2,593 n/a n/a 1984–85 1,775 2,648 n/a n/a 1985–86 1,830 2,578 4,000 45 1986–87 1,901 2,600 4,300 45 1987–88 1,972 2,589 4,600 44 1988–89 2,050 2,543 4,900 43 1989–90 2,155 2,485 5,300 42 1990–91 2,265 2,355 5,800 42 1991–92 2,265 2,265 5,800 39 Note:
Rate applicable to students living away from the parental home and studying at an institution outside London. From 1990–91 student loans were available of up to £420 in 1990–91 and £580 in 1991–92 (at the outside London rate).