§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has given consideration to the level of tuition fees in institutions of higher and further education for the academic year 1976–77; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyI have considered the question of tuition fees in further education in consultation with the local authority associations as part of the annual review of fees proposed in Circular 3/75. I have also considered the recently published Interim Report of the Joint Working Party on Tuition Fees set up by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals and the University Grants Committee. This Joint Working Party has recommended, as an interim measure to be implemented in the academic year 1976–77. a percentage increase in existing fees in line with increases in costs. I understand that an increase of this nature would also be acceptable to local authorities.
The relevant cost increases over the past year are of the order of 30 per cent. both for universities and for institutions of further education. I am, therefore, issuing within the next few days a further circular to local education authorities recommending that fees should be
Industrial Non-Industrial H.M. Dockyard Naval Base, Rosyth … … … … 5,504 2,549 HMS "Caledonia", Rosyth … … … … … … 114 62 Royal Naval Store, Lathalmond … … … … … 140 23 Royal Naval Armament Depot, Crombie … … … … 304 132