§ Ms ShipleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to introduce education maintenance allowances nationwide. [55703]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisWe will be taking decisions on any future extension of the scheme on the basis of the rigorous evaluation currently being conducted.
§ Margaret MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils in Luton have benefited from the educational maintenance allowance pilot scheme since its introduction.[55755]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe education maintenance allowance became available in Luton in September 2000. During the academic year 2000–01, 886 students benefited from EMAs. In the current academic year 1,588 students have received weekly payments so far. Some of these students receiving EMA in this academic year will now be benefiting from a second year of support.