§ 19. Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his estimate of changes in numbers of applicants for higher education places in 1998–99 against the previous year. [18766]
§ Dr. HowellsApplicant numbers are at present slightly down compared with last year; but we expect further652W applications to be submitted before and indeed beyond the closing date.
§ 27. Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of potential students qualifying for admission to higher education he estimates will be unable to attend under the terms of his proposed basis for student support owing to financial pressures. [18776]
§ Dr. HowellsThe new funding arrangements are fair and progressive and will target support. I see no reason why they should prevent any student from attending higher education.