HC Deb 12 February 2002 vol 380 cc210-1W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent assessment she has made of the levels of student debt on leaving university; and if she will make a statement. [35561]

Margaret Hodge

The most recent assessment made in a department survey for 1998–99, was an average of £2,528 anticipated dept. That survey was conducted before the present system of student support was fully implemented. The most recent evidence, from the UNITE/MORI poll conducted in the autumn of 2001, suggests that higher education students currently owe on average £4,203 and expected to owe £8,133 on graduating. This has to be considered in the context of graduates currently earning around 35 per cent. more than the national average and potentially around £400,000 more over their working lives.

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to reduce the burden of debt on students; and if she will make a statement. [35562]

Margaret Hodge

Our current review of student finance is considering both the student debt issue, particularly in relation to the lower socio-economic groups, and the relative contributions of students, parents and the Government to student support. We shall make an announcement on the outcome of the review and will consult with all interested parties.

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement about parental contributions to student fees. [35563]

Margaret Hodge

Our review of student finance is considering the relative contributions of students, parents and the Government to student support. We shall make an announcement on the outcome of the review and will consult with all interested parties.