asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what decision the Government have taken on the recommendation of the Anderson Committee that full-time students in receipt of approved awards should be covered for National Insurance contributions.

This recommendation was carefully considered by the Government when the Anderson Report was received, but it was decided not to accept it.

Is it not unfair that students under 18 should be exempted while students over 18 should have either to pay these contributions or pay heavy arrears when they finally cease their education? In view of the need to encourage people to go on to higher education, would not the Government reconsider this matter?

Students' grants have always been calculated on the basis of meeting necessary expenses during the course of study and not of providing for future contingencies. It was felt that in these circumstances the arrangements which have been made on the basis of the Anderson recommendations were fair.