Dental Hygiene Students

Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 2 March 1983.

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Photo of Mr Mark Lennox-Boyd Mr Mark Lennox-Boyd , Morecambe and Lonsdale 12:00, 2 March 1983

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department provides grants for English students studying dental hygiene in Scotland.

Photo of Mr Alexander Fletcher Mr Alexander Fletcher , Edinburgh North

Only if the student is ordinarily resident in Scotland on 30 June of the year in which the course begins.

Photo of Mr Mark Lennox-Boyd Mr Mark Lennox-Boyd , Morecambe and Lonsdale

Is my hon. Friend not concerned about the situation faced by my constituent — and no doubt many others — who has been denied a discretionary grant by his local education authority, is unable to obtain a grant from the Department of Health and Social Security because the course is not in England—he would be able to obtain a grant if it were—and is denied a grant by the Scottish Office because he is resident in England? As that must apply both ways, should it not be carefully looked at? Is it not absurd that that position exists while both England and Scotland remain part of the United Kingdom?

Photo of Mr Alexander Fletcher Mr Alexander Fletcher , Edinburgh North

The problem does not exist both ways. Students in Scotland can receive a grant from my Department for the courses that my hon. Friend has brought to the attention of the House. The difficulty is that the Department of Health and Social Security gives grants for such courses to English students living in England but not to English students attending such courses in Scotland. My hon. Friend should pursue the matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.