HC Deb 13 November 1997 vol 300 cc1023-4
4. Mr. Spring

By how much he estimates that enrolment in 1998 in higher education will change, relative to the average levels of the previous three years. [14323]

Dr. Howells

It is too early to estimate higher education enrolment levels in 1998. Applicant numbers are currently slightly down compared with last year.

Mr. Spring

Does the Minister not recognise that the Government's plans will have an impact on young people, particularly from low-income families? Given the Prime Minister's famous words, "Education, education, education," will the Minister take this opportunity now to apologise for the Government's attack on equal access to higher education?

Dr. Howells

I do not know the hon. Gentleman's educational background, but let me tell him this: when I discovered the percentages of young people from different socio-economic groups who go to university and receive higher education—

Mr. Ian Bruce

How does scrapping grants for the poorest students help them?

Dr. Howells

If the hon. Gentleman will wrap up for a moment, I shall answer the main question. Four out of five young people from families of senior managers and professionals go on to university, whereas fewer than one in 10 from unskilled families go to university. We are going to do something about that.

Ms Beverley Hughes

Does my hon. Friend agree that our starting point on this issue is that we recognise that the current system of student support patently does not work? It is also unfair, as it requires part-time and mature students to pay fees. Does he also agree that the Government's proposals—provided that students from low-income families are protected, as they will be—are the best means of ensuring fairer access to, and better funding for, higher education?

Dr. Howells

I agree absolutely with my hon. Friend. We shall ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to sufficient money now to get him or her through university degrees. We shall ensure that, when it comes to paying that money back, students will be able to afford to do so. That does not happen now. We shall institute a much better system that will allow it to happen.