§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if students who currently claim supplementary allowance will continue to receive this as grants under the Government's student finance reforms. [15523]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 12 November 1997]: Subject to means-testing, higher education students currently eligible for supplementary allowances as part of their mandatory award will continue to be eligible for them until the end of their course. Students who enter full-time higher education in 1998–99 will be eligible for these allowances as part of their mandatory award on the same basis as now for 1998–99 only. The Disabled Students Allowances will no longer be subject to a means-test from 1998–99. The Government will review the position for 1999–2000 and beyond.