asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what financial support is available from central funds for the maintenance of over-16 year olds who leave school for full-time educational and training courses.

The main central source of funds for young people over 16 on full-time educational and training courses is the Manpower Services Commission, through its youth oportunities programme and various training awards schemes. Young people in full-time education may receive awards from their parent local authorities: expenditure on such awards attracts rate support grant from central Government funds. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport, North (Mr. Bennett) on 12th May—[Vol. 949, c. 617]—and the answer given earlier today.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will take steps to make provisions for mandatory means-tested maintenance allowances for young people aged between 16 and 19 years who continue in full-time education, whether under the school or further education regulations.

I share my hon. Friend's concern about the opportunities for this age group and refer him to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport, North (Mr. Bennett) on 12th May—[Vol. 949, c. 617]—and the answer given earlier today.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations she held before announcing the level of student maintenance grants for the academic year 1978–79.

My Department consulted the local authority associations, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals and the National Union of Students.