HC Deb 20 October 1992 vol 212 c265W
16. Mr. Hague

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the total number of first degrees awarded in the latest year for which figures are available; and what was the comparable figure for 1980.

Mr. Forman

In 1990, 137,000 first degrees were awarded in universities, polytechnics and colleges in Great Britain, compared with 102,000 in 1980.

This 34 per cent. increase illustrates the rapid expansion of higher education over the last decade. It highlights the remarkable achievements of our higher education institutions and the success of this Government's education policies.