§ Mr. SawfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will review the position of students who are required to attend a foundation course before taking up a university place who currently receive no grant for the year of their foundation course. [63358]
§ Mr. MudieCurrent legislation restricts mandatory awards to courses leading to a first degree, HND, DipHE and to courses of initial teacher training. We have decided broadly to carry forward this position for the new student support arrangements which are being introduced for the 1999–2000 academic year. However, students on foundation courses in further education will be eligible to apply for assistance through the new further education student support arrangements which will be introduced in September.