Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his latest estimate of the cost of loans to higher education students measured in terms of cash accounting and resource accounting over the period 1999–2000 to 2001–02. [50648]
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§ Mr. BlunkettThe estimated cost of loans is as follows:
£ million 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 Cash accounting 1,150 1,550 1,750 Resource accounting 650 950 1,050 Difference 500 600 700 Estimate are for loans outlay net of repayments under cash accounting. Figures are for England and Wales and are rounded to the nearest £50 million. They are in current prices.
Methods of implementing resource accounting are still being determined. These figures reflect the latest conclusion from the Financial Reporting Advisory Board and the National Audit Office.
Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to make Regulations for 1998–99 governing student loans made under the Education (Student Loans) Act 1990. [50647]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State laid the Education (Student Loans) Amendment Regulations 1998 before the House on Friday 10 July 1998. These will enable loans to continue to be made to students already attending courses of higher education on the same terms as before. Regulations governing loans for students entering higher education for the first time in September 1998 will be made shortly, as soon as Royal Assent to the Teaching and Higher Education Bill is received.