§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the Robbins principle in higher education.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Robbins principle is a desirable objective, but its continued attainment depends on the capacity of the economy to afford the cost. The proportion of qualified young people entering higher education in the past three years has been higher than for the previous decade. The numbers of students that can be accepted in future years consistent with the Government's expenditure plans are under discussion with the bodies concerned.