§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities are proposing significant increases in fees for further education, as part of their plans to reduce expenditure; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerI would expect all authorities to have regard to the recommended fee increases in respect of the academic year 1976–77 which my right hon. Friend announced on 16th December 1975. His answer to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Newham South (Mr. Spearing) on 5th July conveyed the Government's fee proposals for the academic year 1977–78. These are now subject to discussion with the local authority associations and the University Grants Committee, and I would again expect agreed proposals to be implemented by all local education authorities in due course. As my right hon. Friend indicated then, he will be making a further statement when consultations are concluded.—[Vol. 902, c. 553–4; Vol. 914, c. 391–3.]