§ Lord Forsyth of Drumleanasked Her Majesty's Government:
What support will be provided to Scottish students attending English universities if the proposals in the Higher Education Bill are approved; and [HL2555]
What will be the position in respect of fees, grants and loans for English students attending Scottish universities if the proposals in the Higher Education Bill are approved; and [HL2556]
129WAWhat was the result of the discussions held between the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and the Deputy First Minister of the.Scottish Executive on 19 April regarding cross-border flows which will follow the enactment of the Higher Education Bill. [HL2557]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)The package of support to be provided to Scottish students attending English universities is a matter for the Scottish Executive.
We propose that from 2006 English students attending Scottish universities should have access to a loan for their tuition fees, to be repaid once they have graduated and are earning over £15,000, and that such students will have access to the same package of loans for maintenance as English students at universities elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and the Deputy First Minister agreed that the Scottish Executive and the Department for Education and Skills would keep each other informed as they develop their respective policies on HE funding, and that the programme of ministerial meetings on cross-border issues would continue.