HC Deb 26 June 1995 vol 262 cc511-2W
Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Education who is entitled to claim the mature students grant allowance; what plans she has to discontinue this allowance; and if she will make a statement. [30512]

Mr. Boswell

The older students' allowance is payable under the current Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations 1994 as part of a means-tested mandatory award. Students who are aged 26 and over at the start of their course and who meet an earning threshold are eligible. Most students starting new courses from 1 September 1995 will not be eligible for the allowance but transitional arrangements will protect the position of students who were in full-time further or higher education prior to that date.