§ Mr. StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of changes in the student support and tuition fee arrangement for Scottish domiciled students in session 1997–98. [9467]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonI am publishing today the main rates of maintenance allowance payable under the students' allowance scheme and the postgraduate students' allowance scheme, including the rates for those course which do not attract student loans, together with the rates for the various supplementary allowances payable to both undergraduate and vocational postgraduate award holders.
The support available to undergraduate students in 1997–98 through the main rates of maintenance grant and loan, taken together, will be 2.5 per cent. higher than in 1996–97, thus maintaining its value in real terms. Postgraduate maintenance grants and supplementary allowances will be increased by a similar amount.
Tuition fees will continue to be reimbursed to institutions through the student support system on behalf of eligible students. The undergraduate rates will be the same as in 1996–97.
These changes are consistent with those for England and Wales announced by my right. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment. Details have been placed in the Library.