§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the adverse impact, and deterrent effect, of the proposed loans for students, upon the number of women entering higher education; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations concerning the potential effects of top-up loans on women. The Government's proposals mean that loan repayments can be deferred w hen the borrower's income is low.
Experience of student loan schemes abroad gives us no reason to expect that women will be deterred from entering higher education because of the operation of the loans scheme.