§ 17. Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the age participation rate for students from Northern Ireland in higher education in 1979, the latest such figure and his projection for the year 2000; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe age participation rate in Northern Ireland in 1979–80 was 16.3, and in 1986–87 was 20.6. No projection has yet been made for the year 2000.
These figures incorporate both a continuing improvement in the academic standards achieved by school leavers in Northern Ireland and an increased willingness to enter higher education.