§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what changes he plans in eligibility for access and hardship funds for higher education students in 1998–99; [42369]
(2) what is the planned increase in budget for access funds and hardship funds for higher education students in 1998–99. [42370]
§ Dr. HowellsFrom the beginning of the 1998–99 academic year the amount available for the higher education Access Funds will be doubled to £44 million in England and eligibility will be extended to part-time students.
In addition, a new £250 Hardship Loan will be available to students eligible for student loans who are in financial difficulties. This will cost £5 million in England and Wales in the current financial year.
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