§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the reasons for the disparity in the fees for tuition for the same advanced courses of study offered by central institutions and by further education courses administered by education authorities in Scotland; and if he will take steps to reduce or remove altogether the differential in the fees charged by assisting local authorities on this matter.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherFees for home students on full-time advanced courses in central institutions were reduced from £900 to £480 in 1982–83 and fees for undergraduate home students at universities were similarly reduced. However, Scottish local authorities decided not to make an equivalent reduction in the fees for similar courses in further education colleges. Fees will not be increased in universities or central institutions in 1983–84 and it is for local authorities to decide whether or not to bring their fees into line.