To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what proportion of applications for disabled students allowance in the academic year 2009-10 which were refused have been appealed against; and what proportion of appeals were upheld. (307713)

[holding answer 15 December 2009]: Continuing students will apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSAs) through their local authority (LA) and will appeal to that LA where an application has been refused.

For academic year 2009/10, the Student Loans Company (SLC) is responsible for processing applications for DSAs only from new students. I am advised SLC has not received any appeals from those who have submitted unsuccessful applications for DSA.