asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement on the action she is taking to ensure that no students are compelled to give up their studies as the result of reduced parental income during the current emergency.

The award regulations provide that where the annual income of parents drops by more than 20 per cent. their contribution may be reassessed on the basis of current income. My Department will be considering, in consultation with the local authority associations, difficulties arising in the present situation.