Student Loans (Hansard, 16 February 1990)

§ Mr. Max Madden (Bradford, West)
I wish to present a petition signed by Mr. Paul Wilkinson, president of Bradford university students union, and more than 1,000 people in Bradford, including a large number of students. They state in their petition that any proposals to introduce the payment by students of tuition fees and student loans, whether partially or fully, will further limit access to higher education. The petitioners know that the Education (Student Loans) Bill, which passed through the House in the early hours of this morning, is a friendless orphan. No one wishes to adopt the Government's child and the Secretary of State for Education and Science appears exceptionally embarrassed when accused of the paternity——

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. The hon. Member must know that this is a petition. He cannot repeat a debate which took place earlier this morning.

§ Mr. Madden
Indeed, Mr. Speaker. The petitioners strongly believe that the scheme will limit access to higher education, especially for young people from working-class backgrounds. Wherefore your Petitioners Pray that your Honourable House do reject any proposals to introduce the payment by students of tuition fees or student loans and look forward to being able to see the end of this scheme at an early stage.