asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will increase the sum allocated to relieve hardship arising from the increase in student fees; and how the sum allocated is to be disbursed.

It is not now practicable to increase the allowance for hardship made in the university and rate support grant settlements for 1977–78. Disbursement is in the hands of the universities, local authorities and colleges which will determine what help to give from the total resources available to them.