§ Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will consider introducing legislation to provide financial assistance to students undertaking Open University courses.
§ Mr. Waldegrave:My right hon. Friend has concluded that he is unable to do so in present economic circumstances.
Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the average percentage increase in the grant given by his Department in support of (a) the Open University and (b) other maintained universities in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. Waldegrave:The year on year percentage changes in the grants for recurrent expenditure to the Open University and to universities supported via the University Grants Committee are as follows:
Percentage increase on previous year Year Open University Universities funded via UGC 1976–77 43.9 16.3 1977–78 2.5 -8.1 1978–79 24.1 11.6 1979–80 22.5 21.0 1980–81 28.4 29.4 The overall higher increase for the Open University reflects the progressive build-up in student numbers since admissions began in 1971. The figures for 1977-78 reflect increases in tuition fee income and reductions in public expenditure in that year.
191WMr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to be able to announce the level of financial support to be given to the Open University in the coming financial year.
§ Mr. Waldegrave:My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement soon.