To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what financial assistance is available to students registered for full-time courses required to attend only to retake an examination and not eligible for (a) a student loan, (b) a grant or (c) income support, and who cannot register as unemployed. [6335]

[holding answer 18 December 1995]: Students required to attend full time remain eligible for grant, student loan and access fund payments. Those required to attend part time are able to take part-time employment. Vulnerable students, such as lone parents and the disabled, retain their right to state benefits whether they are attending full time or part time.