To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the percentage increase in the amount allocated for student grants for the current academic year over the amount allocated for 1988–89; and whether the increase includes an amount to meet students' community charge payments.

The main rates of mandatory student grant are 5 per cent. higher (9·4 per cent. higher for those studying away from home in London) in the current academic year than in 1988–89. In setting these, students' net liability for 20 per cent. of the community charge following abolition of domestic rates was among the factors taken into account.