The rate among whites remained at 0.2 percent in that period.

The rate remains in effect until the loan is paid off.

The standard rate for balances under £500 remains at 2.5% a year.

Nonetheless, its rates remain among the highest in the country.

Previously it said the rate would remain at the 4 percent level of 1988.

Individual rates on interest and dividends remain at 12 percent.

Indeed, some economists say rates could remain as they are until 2006.

The rate of students returning after first year remained about 85 percent.

Still, October was the third straight month that the national rate remained above four million.

Since then until 2001 the rate has remained relatively unchanged.