HC Deb 24 April 1995 vol 258 cc364-5W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much money was spent on each university student by her Department in real terms in(a) 1979, (b) 1985 and (c) 1992. [19995]

Mr. Boswell

The information is not available in the form requested. The average funding council grant and income from tuition fees per higher education student for the financial years 1980–81, 1985–86 and 1992–93 in real terms at 1992 prices was about £6,800, £6,300 and £4,700 respectively.

The average maintenance grants received by mandatory award holders in the academic years 1980–81, 1985–86 and 1992–93 in real terms at 1992 prices were £2,400, £1,700 and £1,600 respectively. Since 1990–91, students, including those who do not qualify for mandatory awards, have had access to student loans. The average loan in England and Wales in the academic year 1992–93 was £700.