§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the performance of the Student Loans Company with regard to(a) responses to letters, (b) responses to telephone calls and (c) delays in payment of loans since the start of the academic year. [57864]
§ Mr. MudieAs of 30 October, the Student Loans Company had paid out 283,100 loans. 99.7 per cent. were paid within 21 days against a target of 98 per cent. I have received no written representations about the Company's performance in this academic year, but DfEE officials have received 15 telephone calls about borrowers not590W being able to contact the Company by telephone. I understand that the Company has now updated both its telephone message system and website to handle certain calls. Some correspondence to the Company has been delayed, although most replies have been issued within 14 days. I understand that the Company has resolved the complaints it has received on telephone calls and correspondence.