HL Deb 09 January 1996 vol 568 c15WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they accept the estimate by Mr. Robert Jackson, MP Official Report, Commons 27 November 1995, col. 958) that student disentitlement to social security benefits would save £200 million, and if not, what they believe to be the correct figure.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

The removal of entitlement to social security benefits from the majority of full-time students in September 1990 saved an estimated £79 million at the point of change. Savings since then cannot be calculated given the effects of other benefit changes and economic factors. (The resources available to students from September 1990 were increased overall, as over £200 million was made available through student loans and assistance from Access Funds.)