§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what plans he has to ensure that students in rural areas are not excluded from further education or training because of transport costs; [56205]
(2) what plans he has to ensure that students in rural areas are not excluded from further education or training because of child care costs. [56204]
§ Mr. MudieWe plan to introduce for September 1999 a new system of student support to replace discretionary awards which will be fairer and better targeted. Such a system will be responsive to individual needs such as transport and childcare and will take account of local circumstances. We expect to make an announcement on new arrangements before Christmas.
Help with the cost of childcare and transport is already available to young people in further education as part of the New Deal initiatives and through the National Childcare Strategy.