Student Loans: Muslim Students

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton Excerpts

Thursday 3rd March 2016 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

I am sure that I shall see shrugs and groans, but I repeat that the Government understand the strength of feeling. We had an extremely high level of responses to the consultation and continue to work on developing this product. We are looking for a suitable vehicle by which to introduce it through primary legislation.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton (Lab)]

My Lords, would the Minister care to advise prospective students as to whether she envisages this provision being in place this autumn? Noble Lords have made reference to it coming after the Queen’s Speech. As we have not been given that date yet officially, it would be helpful for students to know how long they will have to wait.

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

As I said, we are looking for an appropriate time at which to do this and the forthcoming legislative programme will be detailed in due course in the Queen’s Speech.