§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to Lord Henley's answer of 4th February, (H.L. Deb., col. WA 8) whether, if they insist that "the social security system is not intended as a means of educational funding", they will therefore consider increasing student support until it reaches social security benefit levels.
§ Baroness Denton of WakefieldOur student support system is generous by international standards. We have increased substantially the resources available to students. Total full-year support from mandatory grant and loan is now over 30 per cent. higher than the mandatory grant for 1989–90. Student loans are available to all eligible students who apply: so far in 1991–92, some 24 per cent. have done so. In 1990–91 as a whole, some 28 per cent. took out loans, which suggests that the majority of students were able to manage on the uprated grant alone. 72 per cent. of students declined to claim some £180 million that was available to them. The Access Funds, containing £25.8 million in total this year, are available to help those in particular financial need.