To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (1) what estimate he has made of the number of students eligible to receive the education maintenance allowance who have waited (a) one, (b) two, (c) three, (d) four and (e) five months or more to receive a payment since September 2008; (269650)

This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) who operate the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). Geoffrey Russell the LSC’s Acting Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Member with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.