§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for what reasons students over 50 years of age are not entitled to(a) student loans and (b) grants; and if he will introduce measures to allow these students access to (a) and (b). [10915]
§ Dr. HowellsOlder students are less likely to repay loans because of the shorter time they will work after graduation, but they are more likely to have access to other funds, such as savings or commercial loans. There is no age limit for the means-tested mandatory award. The Government note the recommendations of the national committee of inquiry into higher education on age limits for loans and will bring forward detailed proposals in the autumn.