HC Deb 04 July 1989 vol 156 c120W
19. Mr. Batiste

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to increase access for students to higher education.

Mr. Jackson

My right hon. Friend has consistently made clear the Government's commitment to increasing participation in higher education. Our school reforms are designed to equip more pupils with the qualifications and motivation to enter higher education. We also want to widen access for those who do not hold traditional entry qualifications or are currently under-represented in higher education. Our objective, without sacrificing quality, is to promote a more flexible and more accessible system of higher education.

21. Mr. Andrew Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students were in higher education at the beginning of the academic years 1978–79 and 1988–89; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jackson

The available information is as follows:

Students in higher education: Great Britain
Thousands
1978–79 766
1987–88 968

Data for 1988–89 are not yet available, but the figure is expected to be in the range 980,000 to 1 million.