HL Deb 13 March 2003 vol 645 cc197-8WA
Lord Ouseley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether an equality impact assessment was carried out prior to proposals for the introduction of university fees for students; and, if so, what was the outcome. [HL1846]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)

The Government are committed to ensuring that our proposals do not disadvantage students on equal opportunity grounds. An impact assessment on ethnic minorities of the policies proposed in the Higher Education White Paper is currently being undertaken. We intend to publish our findings later this year.