HC Deb 05 August 1976 vol 916 cc1005-6W
Mrs. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to the effects of increased tuition fees on part-time university students who are not in receipt of any grant.

Mr. Gerry Fowler

The proposals put forward by my right hon. Friend would call for an increase of 25 per cent. in fees for part-time courses, but these proposals are still under discussion.

Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many

sibilities: since then, instead of receiving such additions, teachers have been eligible for promotion to scales above the basic scale—scale 1.

From 1st April 1976 a payment of £312 per annum has been payable in addition to salary on the scales already in force.

overseas students and how many self-supporting home students have just completed their first or their second years, respectively, of a three year higher education course; and what proportion of these he expects to leave such courses owing to their inability to pay the increased tuition fees.

Mr. Gerry Fowler

It is estimated that some 9,000 overseas students on first degree and comparable courses completed their first year in 1975–76 and some 7,000 their second year. The comparable figures for home students without grants from local education authorities or the Scottish Education Department were about 4,000 in each case, many of whom would be supported from other sources, including industry. I have no information to suggest how many of these students are likely to be unable to pay the proposed fee increases for 1977–78.