§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of working-class children go on to higher education in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonResults from the youth cohort study show that in the academic year 1987—88 5 per cent. of 18-year-olds in socioeconomic groups 3 (manual), 4 and 5 in England and Wales entered higher education. Given that these young people amount to more than 60 per cent. of the age group, this is clearly not enough. The Government's policies for schools and higher education will help to increase their participation.