HC Deb 12 January 1998 vol 304 c36W
Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the special support which will be made available to students who choose medicine or dentistry as a second degree. [22141]

Mr. Hain

The current rules concerning previous study will apply to all students in 1998–99. As now, a student will not be eligible for a second mandatory award if they have already been on a course for which they have had help from public funds. The awards system is intended to underwrite one opportunity to undertake a full-time course of higher education.

It is still open to local education authorities, however, to offer discretionary awards to students who fall into this category. Similarly, it is also open to these students to contact the higher education institution concerned about Access Funds.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if the income derived from tuition fees from medical students will be devoted to medical school education. [22142]

Mr. Hain

All tuition fees from medical students will be available to the medical school at which they are enrolled.