§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students are taking science and technology-based courses at Warwick university and Lanchester polytechnic for the 1977–78 academic year; if there are any vacancies on such courses; and what is the comparison with the national position.
§ Mr. Oakes:The information for full-time and part-time students on courses in 1977–78 is as follows:
tendance at summer schools. The course tuition fee was £45 in 1977 and £52 in 1978; for 1979 it is £55. Summer school fees include board and lodging; they were £49 in 1977 and 1978 and are £52 this year. To these costs must be added those for travel, postage and purchase of stationery and set books. Six full credits are required for an ordinary BA degree to be gained in a minimum of three years and those without exemptions normally take an average of five to six years.
Course tuition fees are reviewed annually to maintain their value while summer school fees are settled by the university. It is not possible to forecast the level of either beyond 1979.
To extend mandatory awards to part-time courses of higher education would be expensive and would require legislation. My right hon. Friend has no present plans for such an extension.