Student Grants

Oral Answers to Questions — Education and Science – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 2 April 1974.

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Photo of Mr John Hunt Mr John Hunt , Bromley Ravensbourne 12:00, 2 April 1974

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in his view on student grant levels, he will include a consideration of the future of discretionary grants.

Photo of Mr John Hunt Mr John Hunt , Bromley Ravensbourne

In the meantime, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that nothing causes more resentment among students than the feeling that the level of these grants is decided not on merit but upon the geographical accident of where their parents happen to live? Therefore, in the context of the current review, will the hon. Gentleman under- take to take some new initiative to deal with this long-standing problem?

Photo of Mr Gerald Fowler Mr Gerald Fowler , The Wrekin

My right hon. Friend and I will consider that point sympathetically. In 1971 my Department did advise local authorities to reduce the variations in the level of the awards which they make.

Mr. Mark Hughes:

In this review, will my hon. Friend also look into the anomaly of the married woman student grant, which causes equal distress?

Photo of Mr Norman St John-Stevas Mr Norman St John-Stevas , Chelmsford

Is the Minister satisfied with the response of local authorities to the circular issued by his right hon. Friend's predecessor calling for a standard level of grant in discretionary cases? If not, will he consider making the level mandatory? How much would that cost?

Photo of Mr Gerald Fowler Mr Gerald Fowler , The Wrekin

I cannot anticipate the result of the review which we are conducting. I think that the degree of variation between grants is still excessive, and I hope that local authorities will be able to come nearer towards a standard level.

Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Central Fife

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received, following his recent announcement on his review of student grants, requesting him to expedite his decision on the improvement of student grants.

Photo of Mr Gerald Fowler Mr Gerald Fowler , The Wrekin

My right hon. Friend has received a letter from one hon. Member.

Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Central Fife

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that when a decision is reached there will be a subsequent annual review of student grants tied to an index—either the cost of living index or the average earnings index? In view of the not too popular image of students at the moment and their lack of bargaining power, will he give an assurance that there will be an annual review?

Photo of Mr Gerald Fowler Mr Gerald Fowler , The Wrekin

My right hon. Friend has already told the House that there will be an annual review procedure. As for the other details of the hon. Gentleman's question, I must leave that until the results of the review are announced.

Photo of Mr Winston Churchill Mr Winston Churchill , Stretford

In view of the difficulties faced by many students—particularly those in city areas such as Manchester and London—and the increases in their living expenses, how soon do the present Government expect to introduce an increase in student grants?

Photo of Mr Gerald Fowler Mr Gerald Fowler , The Wrekin

We hope to be able to make an announcement in the course of the next six or seven weeks. I must, however, remind the House that the delay imported into the procedure by a decision taken early in February by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, whom I am glad now to see in his place, is not my responsibility, nor that of the present Government.