Subject to resource constraints I intend to continue to develop the schemes of student support particularly with a view to making them as equitable as possible. Under the existing 1994 schemes of student support the relevant reckonable income limits are increased by £2,000 where there are two such children attending full-time third level education, by £4,000 for three such children and so on, by increments of £2,000.
The advisory committee on third level students support reported to me on 11 November 1993. Arising from my consideration of the group's report I have already implemented a number of improvements in the student support arrangements such as: the abolition of the separate attainments for eligibility for a grant; this will ensure that all students who have secured a college place will now qualify for a grant subject to their meeting the means test; the introduction of new rules for second chance cases; this is to ensure students who did not complete their initial studies will be eligible to apply for grants for second chance courses after five years; the provision of a discretionary budget in 1994 so as to set up a hardship fund with the third level institutions; an increase in the income limits in line with the rise in the average industrial wage and in maintenance grants in line with inflation.
The group has made a number of other important recommendations which I am addressing in consultation with my colleagues in Government. I intend to publish the group's report when the Government has completed consideration of its recommendations.