Written question asked by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 9 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 November 1998. It was answered by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke (Labour) on Monday, 16 November 1998 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will estimate the initial public expenditure outlay necessary to extend student loans to students over the age of 50 years who are undertaking degree level courses in Scottish colleges and universities. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the initial public expenditure outlay necessary to extend student loans to students over the age of 50 years who are undertaking degree level courses in Scottish colleges and universities. [59367] Mrs. Liddell: Based on the number of such students in academic year 1996-97, the latest year for which figures are available, the cost of extending eligibility for student loans to all those aged 50 and over studying full-time at first degree level at institutions in Scotland would be in the region of £1.27 million in academic year 1998-99. While it is unlikely that all these students would take up their entitlement, any such extension would in practice cover a larger group of eligible students who were studying on all full-time higher education courses up to first degree or equivalent level.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 59367; 319 c378W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Degrees Eligibility Public expenditure Loans Scotland Mature students
Contains statistics: Yes