HC Deb 16 November 1998 vol 319 c378W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will remove the statutory restriction which prevents mature students over the age of 50 years gaining access to student loans on recognised degree courses in Scotland. [59365]

Mrs. Liddell

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment announced on 8 June this year, we plan to extend eligibility for loans to those students aged 50 to 54 at the start of their courses who plan to return to employment.

This extension will take effect from Autumn 1999. It will apply to students starting courses in 1999–2000 and to students who started courses in 1998–99, except those who are entitled to continue receiving support under the previous arrangements. We are currently considering the arrangements in more detail and will provide full information for students early in 1999.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the number of mature students over the age of 50 years currently enrolled on courses in Scotland which will lead to a recognised university degree. [59366]

Mrs. Liddell

The latest available information, for 1996–97, is given. This includes students aged 50 or over, at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Further Education Colleges (FECs), who were enrolled on first degree or postgraduate courses in Scotland.

Students aged 50 or over studying first degree or postgraduate degree courses in HEIs and FECs, 1996–97
Full-time Part-time All
First Degree 464 330 794
Postgraduate 199 1,508 1,707
All 663 1,838 2,501

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the initial public expenditure outlay necessary to extend student loans to students over the age of 50 years who are undertaking degree level courses in Scottish colleges and universities. [59367]

Mrs. Liddell

Based on the number of such students in academic year 1996–97, the latest year for which figures are available, the cost of extending eligibility for student loans to all those aged 50 and over studying full-time at first degree level at institutions in Scotland would be in the region of £1.27 million in academic year 1998–99.

While it is unlikely that all these students would take up their entitlement, any such extension would in practice cover a larger group of eligible students who were studying on all full-time higher education courses up to first degree or equivalent level.