HC Deb 21 March 1994 vol 240 cc58-9W
Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what information he has about the numbers of applicants for places in higher education institutions who decline to give information about the occupation of parents; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Boswell

In 1991–92, of the 274,255 United Kingdom applicants to the polytechnics central admissions system 37,277–13.6 per cent.—failed to answer the relevant question on the application form. The corresponding figures for applicants to the Universities Central Council on Admissions were 21,884–9.1 per cent.—out of 241,660 applicants.

Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if students applying for places in higher education have the right to see references given about them to the institutions.

Mr. Boswell

This is a matter for the institutions themselves and the individuals and bodies supplying the references, except where the references are held on computer, which are subject to the access provisions of the Data Protection Act 1984.

Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for Education for what purpose his Department uses local education authorities to transfer mandatory awards of maintenance grants and tuition and college fees to students and institutions of higher education.

Mr. Boswell

Local education authorities have been under a duty since 1962 to make mandatory awards to eligible students. Regulations made under the Education Act 1962 require LEAs to decide the eligibility of students; to assess and meet their maintenance requirements; and to pay specified fees in respect of their course. Since 1 April 1990 my right hon. Friend has paid specific grant to LEAs at 100 per cent. for this expenditure.

Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what are the numbers of full-time students in higher education institutions who are(a) home-based, (b) living away from the parents' home and studying in London or (c) living away from the parents' home and studying elsewhere.

Mr. Boswell

Information on term-time accommodation of all full-time higher education students is not held centrally. However, data for students in receipt of mandatory awards are shown in the table.

Mandatory awards held by students domiciled in England and Wales 1991–92
Rate received Numbers
Parental home rate 49,800
London rate of grant 76,800
"Elsewhere" rate of grant 413,800