Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what courses exist for training in acupuncture; how these are funded; what financial support students can claim while studying; what plans he has to review the arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [96850]
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§ Ms StuartThe identification and accreditation of suitable training courses for any complementary therapy is primarily the responsibility of the professional body or bodies which regulate it. An increasing number of higher education courses in complementary and alternative medicine are being offered in publicly-funded institutions and are meeting the requirements set by the Education Student Support Regulations 1999 for automatic designation for student support. While the Department for Education and Employment does not routinely collect details of such courses, any which are either wholly run by a private institution or are jointly provided by a privately and publicly funded institution must apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for special designation.
Any student on a designated course receives the same package of financial student support as any student in higher education. Tuition fees are means-tested and, depending on individual circumstances, a student may pay all, part, or none of the cost himself. Student loans are available. And supplementary grants may be made in particular circumstances, for example to disabled students or those with dependants. Students on non-designated courses do not qualify for student support.