§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if students beginning courses in 2000 who are over the age of 50 years will be able to take out a student loan under the new arrangements. [29174]
§ Mr. WilsonThe question of the upper age limit for student loans under the new student support arrangements is under consideration.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland who will be responsible for administering the new hardship loan scheme; how much money in total has been allocated for this purpose; how much each individual student will be able to claim in the form of a hardship loan; whether all students who apply will be given a hardship loan; when and how those who take out hardship loans will be expected to repay them; and if he will make a statement. [29175]
§ Mr. Wilson£0.64 million has been allocated for this purpose in 1998–99 in Scotland. New students starting their courses in 1998–99, who are eligible for the student loan, will be able to apply for the hardship loan. It will be discretionary and is intended to contribute towards the living costs of students who may need extra help. The maximum amount available to individual students will be £250 per year and it will be repayable on an income contingent basis under similar arrangements to those for the student loan for new students in 1998–99 and beyond.
The other points raised are currently being considered as part of the work on the new scheme.