HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 cc501-2W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures will be taken to address student hardship among poorer students following the introduction of tuition fees; and what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of fees on the composition of the student intake and on the level of educational attainment. [11794]

Dr. Howells

Under the Government's preferred approach to the future funding of higher education announced by my right hon. Friend on 23 July, students from poorer families will not have to pay fees. They will continue to receive free tuition. They will also have access to larger subsidised loans than students from better off families. The Government's proposals are designed to widen access to higher education and to encourage those from under-represented groups, such as lower-income families, to undertake higher education.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if European Union nationals studying in the United Kingdom will be required to pay fees for higher education on the same basis as United Kingdom nationals. [11626]

Dr. Howells

The Government remain committed to treating students from other European Union countries on the same basis as home students as far as fees are concerned.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the net annual savings to public funds from the introduction of tuition fees for higher education in each of the next 10 years. [11174]

Dr. Howells

The annual level of savings will be dependent upon the number of students entering higher education in each year, but for working purposes the savings associated with the introduction of tuition fees are estimated at approximately £150 million in the financial year 1998–99, rising to approximately £400 million in 2000–01. These figures are at 1995–96 prices. In the first year of the new funding arrangements, 1998–99, the savings associated with the introduction of tuition fees and the shift from maintenance grants to loans will be offset by the cost of additional loans expenditure.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment at what point in the academic year tuition fees will have to be paid; and if failure to pay will prevent a student from attending the course. [11173]

Dr. Howells

It will be for universities and colleges to determine when the fee should be paid and what should happen in the case of students who do not pay.