Student Loans: Misleading Practices
Debate between Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Lord Elton
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
As the noble Lord may well know, this practice started in 2005, and since then a great number of letters have been issued. As to the differences between Wonga and Smith Lawson and Company: first, no charges were made for the letters that the latter issued; and secondly, the name Smith Lawson was set up as a trading name and, in accordance with procedures, was registered with the Intellectual Property Office. However, as I have already said, the Secretary of State and the Minister responsible for this area are looking at the situation, and I shall of course let the House know of any further action that needs to be taken.
Lord Elton (Con)
My Lords, my noble friend has just told the House the astonishing fact that this practice started nine years ago. What responsibility do departments hold for the oversight of agencies responsible for work in their area?
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Ultimately, responsibility lies with the relevant Minister. The decision in 2005 was made by the board of the Student Loans Company, BIS and the Minister responsible for the area at that time. It is right that Ministers should ultimately be responsible for all government agencies in the departments in which they lie.
Disabled Students’ Allowance
Debate between Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Lord Elton
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The right reverend Prelate makes an important point, and I congratulate him on his son’s successful graduation. The point he makes is perfectly valid. I have already mentioned that we will be looking at a full equality impact assessment before laying the regulations. I am sure that part and parcel of that process, and the discussion around those regulations, will be to cover the points that the right reverend Prelate has made.
Lord Elton (Con)
My Lords, in answer to the supplementary of my noble friend Lord Addington, the Minister referred to the consultations that are going on in order to produce and agree criteria. Given that the Prison Service is where the highest concentration of dyslexia in the United Kingdom exists, what input is there into those consultations from the Prison Service and from contributing voluntary sector workers such as the Prisoners’ Education Trust?
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
My noble friend has asked quite a specific question. I am fully aware, as someone who covers in part the justice brief, of the emphasis the Government are placing on the rehabilitation of prisoners. In terms of his specific question, however, I will write to him.