STUDENT loans survived in the States yesterday but will probably face another challenge. Members overwhelmingly rejected a motion to delay the implementation of legislation that will enable loans to be introduced.

But they were assured that did not tie their hands and a challenge in the form of the requete is likely in November or December. Deputies voted by 35 to 10 against the sursis that would have delayed the legislation until November so that another report could be prepared by Education reflecting the current financial position.

Even some of those who stood and spoke against student loans agreed the sursis was the wrong way of proceeding. Deputy John Gollop brought the sursis. ‘We’re much more likely to end up with a crippling student loans scheme now than 24 hours ago,’ he said.

Education itself is split on the student loan issue. Two members of the department said they were against their introduction: Deputies Matt Fallaize and David De Lisle. In debate the department’s minister Carol Steere (pictured) urged members to reject the sursis.