§ 19. Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many degree course places at universities and polytechnics were available in 1982–83; what this represents as a percentage of the relevant age group of young people; how this compares with previous years; and what is the expected figure for 1989–90.
§ Mr. BrookeIt is 137,000 or about 11.3 per cent. of the age group. About 13.4 per cent. of the age group were involved in higher education of all kinds in 1982–83, the highest level since 1975. Demand for higher education is projected to come from 13.8 to 14.8 per cent. of the age group by 1989–90.
§ Mr. WellsDoes that not mean that the Government have provided more places at degree level in polytechnics and universities, and that those polytechnics and universities have a responsibility to provide relevant courses with a vocational element for those students?
§ Mr. BrookeLast year there were 51,000 more full-time home students in higher education than in 1979. I dare say that the figure will have risen further when we have this year's intake figures. In answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's question, there is a shift towards vocational subjects in universities and polytechnics in the way that he mentioned.