§ 14. Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the cost of waiving the fourth year of fees liable to be paid by students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland attending undergraduate courses at Scottish universities. [49929]
§ Mr. WilsonThe total estimate is some £2 million based on the latest student numbers and estimates of their family income. Of course, students from less well-off families will not pay fees in any of the four years.
§ 21. Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations his Department has received on the waiving of the fourth year of fees liable to be paid by students from England, Wales or Northern Ireland attending undergraduate courses at Scottish universities. [49936]
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§ Mr. WilsonI have received representations on the waiving of fourth year fees of those liable to pay, from student organisations, higher education representatives, Members of Parliament and others.
§ Miss KirkbrideTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received(a) in support of and (b) opposing the policy of introducing tuition fees for students. [49928]
§ Mr. WilsonI have received several representations both in support of and opposing the policy of introducing tuition fees. The proposal emerged from the report of the Dearing Committee which was established with cross-party support. The Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals, for example, are in favour of the policy as a way of introducing more money into higher education.